Scientists have made an exciting discovery about planets beyond our solar system, called exoplanets. They have found something special in the atmosphere of an exoplanet named K2-18 b, which is about 120 light-years away from Earth. This planet is interesting to scientists because it is in an area around its star where it isn’t too hot or too cold. This means there might be liquid water on it, which is important for life.

Using a powerful telescope in space, the James Webb Space Telescope, scientists looked at K2-18 b closely. They found signs of a gas called dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the planet’s atmosphere. On Earth, DMS is only made by living things, like plankton in the ocean. This finding makes scientists wonder if there could be life on K2-18 b.

The telescope also found other gases, like methane and carbon dioxide, in K2-18 b’s atmosphere. These gases suggest that the planet might have oceans. However, scientists are careful and say that more research is needed to be sure about these findings. The study of K2-18 b helps scientists learn more about exoplanets and which ones might have conditions for life.

While this discovery is exciting, it doesn’t mean scientists have found life on K2-18 b yet. It does, however, give them hope and direction for future research. They plan to keep observing the planet and maybe find more signs of life. As technology improves, scientists believe they will learn even more about these faraway worlds and the possibilities they hold.