Latest news with #LeoConstellation
Sustainability Times
06-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'I Was Convinced We'd Found Aliens': Scientists Backtrack on K2-18b Breakthrough Before Revealing the Devastating Truth
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Researchers re-examined data on K2-18b , broadening the pool of atmospheric chemicals from 20 to 90, weakening earlier claims of alien life. , broadening the pool of atmospheric chemicals from 20 to 90, weakening earlier claims of alien life. 🌌 Initial excitement was sparked by the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), considered potential biosignatures. and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), considered potential biosignatures. 📊 Updated studies found no statistically significant evidence of these compounds, highlighting the need for robust scientific methods . . 🔭 Advanced technology and future observations are crucial for gaining a clearer understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres and the potential for life. In recent years, the search for extraterrestrial life has captivated scientists and the public alike, with the focus often landing on distant exoplanets like K2-18b. Located 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation, this intriguing planet resides within the habitable zone of its star, sparking hope for the potential presence of life. However, recent research has cast doubt on earlier claims of alien life signs on K2-18b, urging scientists to remain cautious. This article delves into the ongoing debate, examining updated data, scientific methodologies, and the future of such explorations. Re-evaluating the Evidence: A Shift in Perspective The initial excitement over potential biosignatures on K2-18b stemmed from the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) by astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope. These compounds, known to be produced by marine algae on Earth, were considered potential indicators of life. However, a re-examination of the data by researchers, including former students of Nikku Madhusudhan, has altered this perspective. By broadening the pool of possible atmospheric chemicals from 20 to 90, the team found that the signals no longer uniquely pointed to biological explanations. Madhusudhan and his colleagues highlighted the necessity of employing alternative statistical models to re-evaluate the evidence. Their updated approach included a list of 650 potential atmospheric chemicals, underscoring the complexity of identifying biosignatures. This re-evaluation has significantly weakened the case for a biological explanation, illustrating the importance of skepticism and thorough analysis in scientific discovery. 'Super-Earths Are Everywhere': New Study Reveals These Giant Alien Worlds Are Far More Common Than Scientists Ever Imagined Scientific Methodologies: The Quest for Precision The search for life on exoplanets like K2-18b relies heavily on precise scientific methodologies. Astronomers analyze distant planets by observing their transit across host stars, which allows them to study how molecules in the atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of starlight. This method, while powerful, is fraught with challenges. Recent studies combining observations in both near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths found no statistically significant evidence for DMS or DMDS, further complicating the case for life. Postdoctoral researcher Rafael Luque and Oxford astrophysicist Jake Taylor contributed to this discourse by employing different statistical methods. Taylor's basic statistical approach found no strong signs of biosignatures, emphasizing the need for robust methods and comprehensive data. The inconsistencies in findings highlight the complexities involved in interpreting astronomical data, urging scientists to continuously refine their techniques. 'Doomsday Coming Sooner Than You Think': This Groundbreaking Study Reveals the Imminent Threat Facing Humanity and Why We Need to Act Now The Role of Advanced Technology in Space Exploration Advanced technology plays a pivotal role in unraveling the mysteries of distant exoplanets. The James Webb Space Telescope, with its ability to capture detailed atmospheric data, has been instrumental in the ongoing research of K2-18b. However, as Madhusudhan pointed out, more data is needed to draw definitive conclusions. As technology evolves, so too does the precision and scope of astronomical research. Future observations, made possible by technological advancements, will enhance our understanding of planets like K2-18b. As more data is collected over the next year, scientists hope to paint a clearer picture of the atmospheric composition and potential for life. This ongoing technological evolution promises to deepen our knowledge of the universe and our place within it. 'They're Coming From Space!': Mysterious Radio Signals Repeating Every 2 Hours Identified in That Distant Star System Looking Forward: The Future of Exoplanetary Research As the debate over K2-18b continues, the scientific community remains committed to uncovering the truth about alien life. The conflicting findings underscore the need for a cautious approach, where claims are rigorously tested and re-tested. The journey to discover extraterrestrial life is a marathon, not a sprint, demanding patience and perseverance. Looking forward, the collection of new data and the refinement of analytical methods will be crucial. The pursuit of knowledge about exoplanets like K2-18b serves as a reminder of humanity's insatiable curiosity and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our home planet. As we continue to explore the cosmos, what new revelations await us on distant worlds? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.3/5 (26)
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Doubts over hope of alien life on exoplanet K2-18b as case for biosignatures weakens
A growing number of studies have cast doubt on earlier claims about signs of life on K2-18b, a planet 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation, concluding that the available data doesn't support such bold interpretations. Last month, scientists had announced that they might have identified what appeared to be the most promising signs of alien life discerned so far on the distant planet. However, latest research contends that there was not enough evidence to estimate alien presence. K2-18b orbits within the habitable zone of its star, making it a compelling target for the search of alien life due to the potential presence of liquid water. Astronomers working with the James Webb Space Telescope drew global attention in April by reporting possible traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the planet's atmosphere. On Earth, these compounds are produced exclusively by living organisms such as marine algae, which is why they are considered potential biosignatures—chemical hints that life might exist elsewhere. Led by Cambridge University's Nikku Madhusudhan, the research team was careful to stress that the potential biosignature was far from conclusive. The signal reached a three-sigma level of statistical significance, meaning there remains a small but meaningful possibility that the result was a fluke. Two of Madhusudhan's former students, Luis Welbanks of Arizona State University and Matthew Nixon of the University of Maryland, were part of a team that re-examined the data behind the initial announcement. In a preprint study published online towards the end of last month, they reported that when using alternative statistical models, the signals originally interpreted as potential biosignatures no longer stand out. In one approach, the researchers broadened the pool of possible atmospheric chemicals from 20 to 90, significantly weakening the case for a unique biological explanation. Embracing the ongoing scientific discussion, Madhusudhan highlighted the importance of keeping an open mind throughout the research process. His team added to the conversation by releasing a new preprint study last week that expanded the list of potential atmospheric chemicals to 650. Among the top candidates identified as an indicator of alien life was dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Meanwhile, dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which had featured prominently in their earlier announcement, was no longer considered a leading possibility. Astronomers observe distant exoplanets like K2-18b by tracking their passage across their host stars, which allows them to analyze how molecules in the planet's atmosphere absorb specific wavelengths of starlight. Earlier this week, a study led by postdoctoral researcher Rafael Luque at the University of Chicago combined Webb's observations of K2-18b in both near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths. The research found no statistically significant evidence for dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). In addition, an earlier paper by Oxford astrophysicist Jake Taylor, using a basic statistical method, also reported no strong signs of biosignatures. However, Madhusudhan dismissed Taylor's paper noting the simple exercise used to draw conclusions was far from a robust method to observe physical phenomena. The scientist also highlighted that more data on K2-18b will be collected over the next year, which should help provide a clearer and more definitive picture.
Malay Mail
24-05-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
Space spat: Webb hints at life — but not everyone's buying it
PARIS, May 25 — 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 to support such lofty claims, with one scientist accusing the astronomers of 'jumping the gun'. The debate revolves around the planet K2-18b, which is 124 light years away in the Leo constellation. The planet is thought to be the right distance from its star to have liquid water, making it a prime suspect in the search for extraterrestrial life. Last month, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope made headlines by announcing they had detected hints of the chemicals dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) on the planet. These chemicals are only produced by life such as marine algae on Earth, meaning they are considered potential 'biosignatures' indicating life. The astronomers, led by Cambridge University's Nikku Madhusudhan, expressed caution about the 'hints' of a biosignature, emphasising they were not claiming a definitive discovery. Their detection had reached a three-sigma level of statistical significance 'which means there is still a three in 1,000 chance of this being a fluke,' Madhusudhan said at the time. Biosignatures 'vanish' Two of Madhusudhan's former students, Luis Welbanks of Arizona State University and Matthew Nixon of Maryland University, were among the researchers who have since re-analysed the data behind the announcement. When deploying other statistical models, 'claims of a potential biosignature detection vanish', according to their preprint study published online late last month. Like the other papers since the April announcement, it has not been peer-reviewed. In one model, Welbanks and colleagues expanded the number of possible chemicals that could explain the signals detected by Webb to 90 from the original 20. More than 50 received a 'hit', Welbanks told AFP. 'When you detect everything, did you really detect anything?' he asked. They are not saying the planet definitely does not have DMS — just that more observations are needed, Welbanks added. 'Arguments are healthy' Madhusudhan welcomed the robust debate, saying that remaining open to all possibilities is an essential part of the scientific method. 'These sorts of arguments are healthy,' he told AFP. His team even went further, releasing their own preprint study last week that expanded the number of chemicals even further to 650. The three most 'promising' chemicals they found included DMS but not DMDS — a major part of the team's announcement in April. The other two chemicals were diethyl sulfide and methyl acrylonitrile, the latter of which is toxic. Madhusudhan admitted that these little-known chemicals are likely not 'realistic molecules' for a planet like K2-18b. Welbanks pointed out that 'in the span of a month — with no new data, with no new models, with no new laboratory data — their entire analysis changed'. 'Closest we have ever been' Telescopes observe such far-off exoplanets when they cross in front of their star, allowing astronomers to analyse how molecules block different wavelengths of light streaming through their atmosphere. Earlier this week, a paper led by Rafael Luque at the University of Chicago combined Webb's observations of K2-18b in both the near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths of light. It also found 'no statistical significance for DMS or DMDS', the paper said. An earlier paper by Oxford astrophysicist Jake Taylor using a basic statistical test also found no strong evidence for any biosignatures. Madhusudhan dismissed the latter paper, saying the simple exercise did not account for observing physical phenomena. He also stood by his research, saying he was 'just as confident' in the work as he was a month ago. More data about K2-18b will come in over the next year which should offer a much clearer picture, Madhusudhan added. Even if the planet does have DMS, it is not a guarantee of life — the chemical has been detected on a lifeless asteroid. However, many researchers do believe that space telescopes could one day collect enough evidence to identify alien life from afar. 'We are the closest we have ever been' to such a moment, Welbanks said. 'But we have to use the frameworks that are in place and build up (evidence) in a reliable method, rather than using non-standard practices and jumping the gun — as has been done in this particular case,' Nixon added. — AFP
Asharq Al-Awsat
24-05-2025
- Science
- Asharq Al-Awsat
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. But several recent studies looking into the same data have found that there is not enough evidence to support such lofty claims, with one scientist accusing the astronomers of "jumping the gun". The debate revolves around the planet K2-18b, which is 124 light years away in the Leo constellation. The planet is thought to be the right distance from its star to have liquid water, making it a prime suspect in the search for extraterrestrial life. Last month, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope made headlines by announcing they had detected hints of the chemicals dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) on the planet. These chemicals are only produced by life such as marine algae on Earth, meaning they are considered potential "biosignatures" indicating life. The astronomers, led by Cambridge University's Nikku Madhusudhan, expressed caution about the "hints" of a biosignature, emphasizing they were not claiming a definitive discovery. Their detection had reached a three-sigma level of statistical significance "which means there is still a three in 1,000 chance of this being a fluke," Madhusudhan said at the time. Two of Madhusudhan's former students, Luis Welbanks of Arizona State University and Matthew Nixon of Maryland University, were among the researchers who have since re-analyzed the data behind the announcement. When deploying other statistical models, "claims of a potential biosignature detection vanish", according to their preprint study published online late last month. Like the other papers since the April announcement, it has not been peer-reviewed. In one model, Welbanks and colleagues expanded the number of possible chemicals that could explain the signals detected by Webb to 90 from the original 20. More than 50 received a "hit", Welbanks told AFP. "When you detect everything, did you really detect anything?" he asked. They are not saying the planet definitely does not have DMS -- just that more observations are needed, Welbanks added. Madhusudhan welcomed the robust debate, saying that remaining open to all possibilities is an essential part of the scientific method. "These sort of arguments are healthy," he told AFP. His team even went further, releasing their own preprint study last week that expanded the number of chemicals even further to 650. The three most "promising" chemicals they found included DMS but not DMDS -- a major part of the team's announcement in April. The other two chemicals were diethyl sulfide and methyl acrylonitrile, the latter of which is toxic. Madhusudhan admitted that these little-known chemicals are likely not "realistic molecules" for a planet like K2-18b. Welbanks pointed out that "in the span of a month -- with no new data, with no new models, with no new laboratory data -- their entire analysis changed". Telescopes observe such far-off exoplanets when they cross in front of their star, allowing astronomers to analyze how molecules block different wavelengths of light streaming through their atmosphere. Earlier this week, a paper led by Rafael Luque at the University of Chicago combined Webb's observations of K2-18b in both the near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths of light. It also found "no statistical significance for DMS or DMDS", the paper said. An earlier paper by Oxford astrophysicist Jake Taylor using a basic statistical test also found no strong evidence for any biosignatures. Madhusudhan dismissed the latter paper, saying the simple exercise did not account for observing physical phenomena. He also stood by his research, saying he was "just as confident" in the work as he was a month ago. More data about K2-18b will come in over the next year which should offer a much clearer picture, Madhusudhan added. Even if the planet does have DMS, it is not a guarantee of life -- the chemical has been detected on a lifeless asteroid. However, many researchers do believe that space telescopes could one day collect enough evidence to identify alien life from afar. "We are the closest we have ever been" to such a moment, Welbanks said. "But we have to use the frameworks that are in place and build up (evidence) in a reliable method, rather than using non-standard practices and jumping the gun -- as has been done in this particular case," Nixon added.
Japan Times
24-05-2025
- Science
- Japan Times
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. But several recent studies looking into the same data have found that there is not enough evidence to support such lofty claims, with one scientist accusing the astronomers of "jumping the gun." The debate revolves around the planet K2-18b, which is 124 light years away in the Leo constellation. The planet is thought to be the right distance from its star to have liquid water, making it a prime suspect in the search for extraterrestrial life. Last month, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope made headlines by announcing they had detected hints of the chemicals dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) on the planet. These chemicals are only produced by life such as marine algae on Earth, meaning they are considered potential "biosignatures" indicating life. The astronomers, led by Cambridge University's Nikku Madhusudhan, expressed caution about the "hints" of a biosignature, emphasizing they were not claiming a definitive discovery. Their detection had reached a three-sigma level of statistical significance "which means there is still a three in 1,000 chance of this being a fluke," Madhusudhan said at the time. Two of Madhusudhan's former students, Luis Welbanks of Arizona State University and Matthew Nixon of Maryland University, were among the researchers who have since re-analyzed the data behind the announcement. When deploying other statistical models, "claims of a potential biosignature detection vanish," according to their preprint study published online late last month. Like the other papers since the April announcement, it has not been peer-reviewed. In one model, Welbanks and colleagues expanded the number of possible chemicals that could explain the signals detected by Webb to 90 from the original 20. More than 50 received a "hit," Welbanks said. "When you detect everything, did you really detect anything?" he asked. They are not saying the planet definitely does not have DMS — just that more observations are needed, Welbanks added. Madhusudhan welcomed the robust debate, saying that remaining open to all possibilities is an essential part of the scientific method. "These sort of arguments are healthy," he said. His team even went further, releasing their own preprint study last week that expanded the number of chemicals even further to 650. The three most "promising" chemicals they found included DMS but not DMDS — a major part of the team's announcement in April. The other two chemicals were diethyl sulfide and methyl acrylonitrile, the latter of which is toxic. Madhusudhan admitted that these little-known chemicals are likely not "realistic molecules" for a planet like K2-18b. Welbanks pointed out that "in the span of a month — with no new data, with no new models, with no new laboratory data — their entire analysis changed." Telescopes observe such far-off exoplanets when they cross in front of their star, allowing astronomers to analyze how molecules block different wavelengths of light streaming through their atmosphere. Earlier this week, a paper led by Rafael Luque at the University of Chicago combined Webb's observations of K2-18b in both the near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths of light. It also found "no statistical significance for DMS or DMDS," the paper said. An earlier paper by Oxford astrophysicist Jake Taylor using a basic statistical test also found no strong evidence for any biosignatures. Madhusudhan dismissed the latter paper, saying the simple exercise did not account for observing physical phenomena. He also stood by his research, saying he was "just as confident" in the work as he was a month ago. More data about K2-18b will come in over the next year which should offer a much clearer picture, Madhusudhan added. Even if the planet does have DMS, it is not a guarantee of life — the chemical has been detected on a lifeless asteroid. However, many researchers do believe that space telescopes could one day collect enough evidence to identify alien life from afar. "We are the closest we have ever been" to such a moment, Welbanks said. "But we have to use the frameworks that are in place and build up (evidence) in a reliable method, rather than using non-standard practices and jumping the gun — as has been done in this particular case," Nixon added.
