Using the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists have found chemical traces on a distant planet, K2-18b, that may point to microbial life. The planet lies 124 light-years away in the Leo constellation and is about 2.6 times larger than Earth. While not conclusive, the detection of Earth-like biosignatures marks a major milestone in the search for alien life.

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• K2-18b located 124 light-years away in Leo constellation
• Scientists found DMS and DMDS—linked to life on Earth
• Detected by James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
• Planet is 2.6 times Earth’s diameter, much hotter
• DMS & DMDS likely produced by microbes in oceans
• Planet classed as “Hycean world”—ocean + hydrogen atmosphere
• Discovery seen as “transformational” by lead researcher
• High concentration of biosignatures raises hopes of life
• Findings not final—other non-living sources possible
• More JWST observations planned to confirm biosignatures