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Astronomy Cast Ep. 754: K2-18b

The 365 Days of Astronomy

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Unraveling K2-18b's Atmosphere

This chapter explores groundbreaking findings from the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope on the exoplanet K2-18b, focusing on its atmospheric composition, including the detection of water vapor and potential biosignatures like dimethyl sulfide. It highlights the challenges of interpreting spectral data and the ongoing scientific debate surrounding these findings, weighing the significance of molecular detections against alternative explanations. The discussion illustrates the evolving nature of astrobiological research and the need for caution amidst exciting discoveries in the search for extraterrestrial life.

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