US Edition
Doubt Cast on Claim of 'Hints' of Life on Faraway Planet
- Astronomers led by Cambridge University announced in April they detected potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation.
- The announcement followed analysis of James Webb Space Telescope data, claiming detection of dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl disulfide, chemicals linked to life on Earth, though several recent studies dispute these conclusions.
- Subsequent re-analyses expanded possible molecules explaining the signals to over 90, with no strong statistical evidence for the initial biosignatures, and experts emphasized the need for more observations.
- Madhusudhan from Cambridge noted a three in 1,000 chance the detection is a fluke and stressed that openness to all possibilities remains essential to the scientific method.
- The findings so far do not confirm extraterrestrial life but demonstrate advances in exoplanet studies, indicating further data will clarify K2-18b's atmospheric composition and habitability potential.
44 Articles
44 Articles
FOX 28 Spokane
The Straits TimesDoubt cast on claim of ‘hints’ of life on faraway planet
When astronomers announced last month they might have discovered the most promising hints of alien life yet on a distant planet, the rare good news raised hopes humanity could soon learn we are not alone in the universe. But several recent studies looking into the same data have found that there is not enough evidence
ABC FOX Montana
Doubt cast on claim of 'hints' of life on faraway planet
When astronomers announced last month they might have discovered the most promising hints of alien life yet on a distant planet, the rare good news raised hopes humanity could soon learn we are not alone in the universe.
There’s Growing Evidence Of Possible Life On Other Planets – Here’s Why You Should Still Be Skeptical
Claims for the detection of life on other planets go back decades. Here's why you should still be skeptical despite recent discoveries. The post There’s Growing Evidence Of Possible Life On Other Planets – Here’s Why You Should Still Be Skeptical appeared first on Study Finds.
Skepticism Surrounds 'Hints' of Life on Distant Planet
Digital Phablet Skepticism Surrounds ‘Hints’ of Life on Distant Planet An artist’s depiction of what a hycean world, like K2-18 b, could look like. — Reuters/File Last month, astronomers excitedly revealed they might have found one of the strongest indicators of extraterrestrial life on a remote planet, sparking hope that humanity could soon discover we’re not alone in the cosmos. However, several recent studies analyzing the same data have con…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center, 42% of the sources lean Right
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
