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Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b (www.nasa.gov)

submitted 1 year ago by very_well_lost@lemmy.world to c/space@lemmy.world

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A new investigation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, has revealed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide. Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface.

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[-] Plibbert@lemmy.ml 6 points 1 year ago

That was my first thought. That doesn't mean there couldn't be microbial life there though. One of the gases being released, or supposedly released is mostly made by phytoplankton here. So if anything this may confirm microscopic life forms on other planets.

Maybe super mini crab or slug people.

this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2023

122 points (98.4% liked)

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