In 2023, scientists presented a study in which they claimed to have found a chemical called dimethyl sulfide in the atmosphere of the planet K2-18b , which is associated with potential living organisms. Since then, scientists have been debating whether there is life on this planet or not.

The authors of a new study published in The Astrophysical Journal question whether the data obtained can really be trusted and whether dimethyl sulfide is a reliable sign of the presence of life, writes Space.

Planet K2-18b was discovered 10 years ago and is located approximately 120 light years away from us, which is considered a short distance in cosmic terms. The planet is considered a super-Earth, as it is a rocky world with an atmosphere that is approximately 2.5 times larger than our planet.

At the same time, scientists believe that the planet’s surface may be covered with oceans of liquid water. And given that K2-18b is in the habitable zone of its star, where there are conditions for the creation of life, scientists believe that this may be a potentially habitable world.

Moreover, scientists announced 2 years ago that they had discovered a biosignature, that is, a substance indicating the presence of life, in the atmosphere of this planet. This biosignature is dimethyl sulfide.

On Earth, this substance is mainly produced by bacteria and phytoplankton in the oceans. Given that there may be an ocean on planet K2-18b, an assumption has emerged about the presence of life.