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Webb Discovers Methane, Carbon Dioxide in Atmosphere of K2-18 b (www.nasa.gov)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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A new investigation with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope into K2-18 b, an exoplanet 8.6 times as massive as Earth, has revealed the presence of carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide. Webb’s discovery adds to recent studies suggesting that K2-18 b could be a Hycean exoplanet, one which has the potential to possess a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a water ocean-covered surface.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

Yes and even if it wasn't from biological processes those conditions are livable enough for microbial organisms (anaerobic methane oxidation). If dimethyl sulfide is there than yup that's some good shit right there.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaerobic_oxidation_of_methane

Of course the actual temperatures of things there are up in the air, but if I had a spaceship I'd go there this instant.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Stupid physics always getting in the way of my childhood fantasy of being a space trucker.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Come play Eve, 99% of us are cosplaying Lone Starr and Barff, basically.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

"I'd go there this instant"

1000 years at 10% the speed of light

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

I mean a TARDIS, obviously!