Looking at the stars often raises silent questions. Could we really be alone in this vast universe? Now, an Indian-origin scientist might have found a clue. Dr Nikku Madhusudhan and his team say they’ve detected a possible sign of life on a distant world.
Discovery Points to Possible Life on K2-18b
Dr Madhusudhan led a team of researchers studying K2-18b. The planet lies 120 light-years from Earth, orbiting a cool dwarf star. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, the team found a curious gas—dimethyl sulphide (DMS).
On Earth, this gas is only made by living things. Marine algae mostly produce it in our oceans. Its presence in the atmosphere of another world suggests that something interesting might be happening there.
The team published their findings in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Experts see this as one of the strongest indications yet of life beyond our solar system.
Speaking at a press event, Dr Madhusudhan said, “We are not claiming we’ve found life. But the most likely cause of what we saw is biological.” He believes K2-18b may have a warm ocean full of life.
Dr Nikku Madhusudhan: Who Is He?
Dr Madhusudhan was born in India in 1980 and attended IIT (BHU), Varanasi, to study engineering. Later, he relocated to the US to further his education. He received his master's and doctoral degrees in planetary science from MIT.
He collaborated there with Dr Sara Seager, a renowned exoplanet researcher. He is currently a professor at Cambridge University. His research mostly focuses on extraterrestrial atmospheres and their potential for supporting life.
His introduction of the concept of hycean planets is what made him most famous. These planets are perfect for looking for life because they have oceans and skies that are rich in hydrogen.
What Makes K2-18b Special?
K2-18b is a “sub-Neptune”, bigger than Earth but smaller than Neptune. It was first discovered in 2017. Dr Madhusudhan proposed in 2021 that it may be a Hycean planet.
Recent JWST observations showed gases like methane, carbon dioxide, and DMS. A 2023 follow-up confirmed the DMS signal was even stronger. This strengthens the idea that life may exist there.
Fermi Paradox: Why Haven’t We Heard From Aliens?
The discovery also brings back the old mystery of the Fermi Paradox. If the universe has so many planets, where is everybody?
Dr Madhusudhan’s work doesn’t solve the paradox. But it might be the first step towards an answer. Some say maybe life is everywhere but still primitive. Others feel we may be looking in the wrong way.
More Clues to Come
K2-18b will remain under study by the James Webb telescope. More powerful space observatories are also being planned.
Dr Madhusudhan’s research reminds us that we may not be alone. It’s a quiet, thrilling step towards knowing our true place in the universe.
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