Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: NDTV
Context: The James Webb Space Telescope is gearing up for a significant mission targeting K2-18b, a distant planet with potential for extra-terrestrial life.
Scientists are focusing on detecting dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in its atmosphere, a gas primarily produced by life on Earth. Preliminary data suggests a high probability of DMS presence.
Why DMS presence is significant?
The presence of dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the atmosphere of a distant planet, such as K2-18b, could indicate the possibility of extraterrestrial life. On Earth, DMS is primarily produced by marine phytoplankton, making it a potential biological marker. If detected on another planet, it suggests the presence of organic or biological processes similar to those found on Earth.
What is K2-18b Exoplanet?
- Discovered in 2015 during NASA’s K2 mission, located over 120 light-years away from Earth.
- Size: Over 8 times larger than Earth.
- Possibly a “Hycean” world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean-covered surface.
About James Webb Space Telescope:
- Collaboration between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
- Launched in December 2021.
- Currently positioned at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, around 1.5 million km from Earth’s orbit.
- Largest and most powerful infrared space telescope.
- Objectives: To explore cosmic history from the Big Bang to the evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, and our Solar System.
