NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has provided preliminary evidence suggesting the presence of life-related molecules on the distant exoplanet K2-18b, located over 120 light-years from Earth. K2-18b, discovered in 2015 during NASA’s K2 mission, is significantly larger than Earth and is considered a potential “Hycean” world with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean-covered surface. The Webb telescope’s recent investigation revealed the existence of carbon-bearing molecules, including methane and carbon dioxide, in its atmosphere. The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaborative effort between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency, was launched in December 2021 and is now positioned at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, enabling it to explore various aspects of cosmic history.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Exoplanet: An exoplanet is a planet located outside our solar system, orbiting a star other than the Sun.
- Hycean World: A “Hycean” world is a type of exoplanet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and a surface covered by liquid water, making it a candidate for potentially hosting life.
- Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange Point: The L2 Lagrange point is one of five positions in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system where the gravitational forces of Earth and the Sun are balanced. It allows for stable positioning of spacecraft and observatories.
- Infrared Space Telescope: The James Webb Space Telescope is primarily designed for infrared astronomy, enabling it to study the universe in wavelengths beyond what is visible to the human eye.
- Cosmic History: The telescope’s mission involves investigating various stages of the universe’s evolution, from its inception in the Big Bang to the formation of celestial bodies like galaxies, stars, and planets, including the development of our own Solar System.