NASA scientists have made an incredible discovery — a planet named K2-18 b, a lot larger than Earth that sits in a ‘liveable zone.’
This planet may have the best situations for all times.
Scientists have even discovered indicators in its environment that might solely come from residing issues.
Sounds fascinating, proper? Let’s know extra about what makes this discovery so thrilling.
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A brand new liveable planet found by NASA that’s larger than Earth
The planet K2-18 b is situated 124 light-years away from Earth. It is about 2.6 instances bigger than Earth and has 8.6 instances its mass.
This large planet orbits a small purple star referred to as K2-18, in a area the place life may doubtlessly exist.
NASA first discovered K2-18 b in 2009 with the Kepler Space Telescope, however newer observations by the James Webb Space Telescope revealed much more particulars.
This latter telescope was additionally used to find some objects in Pluto’s orbit.
According to NASA, the planet’s environment comprises necessary gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which are sometimes linked to life.
Scientists suppose K2-18 b might be a Hycean planet, which means it may need a thick hydrogen-rich environment and oceans of water on its floor.
One of essentially the most shocking findings is the presence of dimethyl sulfide (DMS). On Earth, this fuel is made solely by residing organisms, principally tiny marine creatures like phytoplankton.
While these indicators are promising, K2-18b’s dimension raises questions.
K2-18 b couldn’t be excellent to help life
Due to its giant dimension, its inside may need high-pressure ice, or its oceans might be too sizzling to help life as we all know it.
Still, the invention is an enormous step in trying to find life past Earth.
Scientists consider exploring planets like K2-18 b will assist us perceive extra in regards to the universe and our place in it.
Interestingly, scientists additionally not too long ago discovered an asteroid so wealthy in valuable metals that it may make everybody on Earth a billionaire.
With discoveries like these, the seek for life and sources in area is extra thrilling than ever.
