The detection of biosignatures in the atmosphere of K2-18b, an exoplanet orbiting a red dwarf star, marks a significant breakthrough in our understanding of Earth-like planets. The presence of DMS (dimethyl sulfide) and DMDS (dimethyl disulfide) confirms a previous detection, which is thousands of times more concentrated than on Earth. These compounds are products of microbial life, but their origin remains uncertain.
K2-18b, known as the “Hyeland” planet, has the potential to host a highly organized interface governed by liquid water, existing within the habitable zone. However, due to intense radiation from its red dwarf star, it is vast and hostile. But earlier research suggested that K2-18b might harbor another layer of complexity, leading to the concept of Hycean planets. These planets are described as having oceans, nitrogen, and low-lying temperatures, existing tidally locked to their star.
The search for these planets involves advanced instruments like Kepler and Hubble, yielding numerous coincidences that challenge our understanding of life. While K2-18b represents a unique case, the search for Earth-like worlds is not exhausted. The possibility of finding other Hycean planets, indicative of life outside our solar system, remains one of the most urgent questions in astronomy.
