Researchers in the Institute of Astronomy in Cambridge University have found, what is believed to be, the strongest evidence of life outside Earth and our Solar System.
The evidence of life was found in the planet called K2-18b, which has conditions favourable for life so close to Earth.
Analysis of its atmosphere by the James Webb Space Telescope shows abundance of the molecules, Dimethyl Sulphide and Dimethyl Disulphide, which are only produced by simple forms of life.
The results were published in the peer-reviewed Astrophysical Journal Letters.
K2-18b is two and half times the size of Earth, 8.6 times heavier and 700 trillion miles or 124 light years away.
It orbits a medium-sized sun like the Earth.
The researchers are 99.7% sure it contains some form of primitive life and, possibly, a huge volume of water.
Despite the excitement in the scientific community worldwide, there are scientists who are cautious.
The results need to attain 99.99994% certainty level or the five-sigma threshold – above the current 99.7% certainty level – to be fully accepted.
So, are we alone? Only time and more diligent search will tell.
