A recent study by NASA has shed more light on the exoplanet K2-18b, confirming its presence of liquid water. However, unlike initial claims made by a team from the University of Cambridge, no strong evidence for life was found.
Scientists at NASA observed K2-18b 124 light-years from Earth and discovered a possible ocean beneath its surface. This finding contradicts earlier speculation about the planet’s atmosphere containing gases produced by living organisms on our own planet.
Experts argue that even if such gases were present on K2-18b, they could have formed through chemical reactions rather than biological activity. As astronomer Jacob Bean notes, “Biosignatures are going to be hard to detect, no matter what kind of planet we’re talking about.” The study’s findings highlight the complexity and challenges in searching for signs of life beyond Earth.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/24/science/astronomy-k218b-biosignature-life.html