Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, an Indian-origin astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, has led a groundbreaking study detecting potential biosignatures on exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years from Earth.

Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, the team identified dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the planet's atmosphere - a compound on Earth produced exclusively by living organisms—marking a significant milestone in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Key Points:

• The research team, led by Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, detected dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b. On Earth, DMS is produced solely by marine phytoplankton, suggesting potential biological activity on the distant planet. ?
• K2-18b is classified as a "Hycean" planet—a term coined by Dr. Madhusudhan—characterized by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a possible global ocean, conditions that could support microbial life. ?
• The planet resides within the habitable zone of its star, allowing for the presence of liquid water, a key ingredient for life as we know it. ?
• Dr. Madhusudhan emphasized the need for caution, stating that while the presence of DMS is intriguing, further observations are required to confirm the findings and rule out non-biological sources. ?
• This discovery represents the strongest evidence to date of potential life beyond our solar system and underscores the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope in advancing our understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres. ?

Who is Dr. Madhusudhan?

Dr. Madhusudhan's journey began in India, where he earned his B.Tech from IIT (BHU), Varanasi, before pursuing a Ph.D. at MIT. His pioneering work in exoplanetary science continues to shed light on the possibilities of life beyond Earth. ?