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In 2025 the James Webb telescope detected gases over the planet K2-18b that, on Earth, are made mostly by living things — a tantalising hint that scientists quickly cautioned is not proof.

K2-18b observations (2025)

SpaceScience

Why it matters

The idea in context

K2-18b lies about 124 light-years away. Webb's instruments picked up possible traces of dimethyl sulfide, a gas produced on Earth by ocean algae. Within days other researchers questioned how firm the signal was, and non-living chemistry could also explain it. It is a vivid example of how the search for life abroad advances: not by a single headline, but by claim and careful challenge.

Türkçe

Aynı kart, başka bir dilde.

2025'te James Webb teleskobu, K2-18b gezegeninin üzerinde Dünya'da çoğunlukla canlılar tarafından üretilen gazlar saptadı — bilim insanlarının hızla kanıt olmadığı uyarısı yaptığı, merak uyandıran bir ipucu.
K2-18b gözlemleri (2025)

K2-18b yaklaşık 124 ışık yılı uzaktadır. Webb'in aygıtları, Dünya'da okyanus yosunlarının ürettiği bir gaz olan dimetil sülfürün olası izlerini yakaladı. Günler içinde başka araştırmacılar sinyalin ne kadar sağlam olduğunu sorguladı; cansız kimya da bunu açıklayabilir. Bu, uzaydaki yaşam arayışının nasıl ilerlediğinin canlı bir örneği: Tek bir manşetle değil, iddia ve dikkatli itirazla.

Source trail

Read beyond the card.

Background reading: K2-18bAttribution and context are revised when stronger evidence appears. Corrections are welcome through the editorial page.
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