Daily Current Affairs : 1-May-2024
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is preparing for a thrilling task to observe K2-18b, a planet located over 120 light-years away from Earth. Scientists are particularly curious about detecting a substance referred to as dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the planet’s atmosphere. DMS is a gas normally produced by life on Earth, and its presence on K2-18b could suggest the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
What is Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS)?
Dimethyl sulphide (DMS) is a chemical compound that is commonly found in the atmosphere of Earth. On our planet, DMS is primarily produced by marine phytoplankton, tiny ocean-dwelling organisms. When DMS is detected in the atmosphere of another planet, it can serve as a biological marker, indicating that some form of life—likely similar to life on Earth—may be present. The potential discovery of DMS on K2-18b has generated excitement among scientists, as it could open new doors for understanding whether life exists beyond our planet.
K2-18b: A Mysterious Exoplanet
K2-18b was discovered in 2015 during NASA’s K2 mission, and it has since become a key focus of space exploration. Here are some important facts about the planet:
- Size: K2-18b is more than eight times larger than Earth.
- Atmosphere and Surface: It is believed to be a “Hycean” world, meaning it has a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and is likely covered by an ocean beneath its gaseous exterior.
- Distance: The planet is located over 120 light-years away from Earth, which makes studying it a challenge, but also an exciting opportunity.
James Webb Space Telescope: The Tool for the Mission
The James Webb Space Telescope is the most advanced space observatory ever built. It is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency. Launched in December 2021, JWST is positioned about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point. This makes it an ideal location for studying distant objects in space.
JWST is equipped with the largest and most powerful infrared instruments ever sent into space. Its primary mission is to explore the universe’s history, from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets—offering us a unique look at cosmic phenomena.
Why Is This Mission Important?
The mission to study K2-18b with JWST could provide valuable insights into the potential for life on other planets. Detecting DMS in its atmosphere would be a groundbreaking discovery, helping to answer one of humanity’s most profound questions: Are we alone in the universe?
Important Points:
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Mission:
- JWST is set to study K2-18b, a planet located 120 light-years away from Earth.
- Scientists aim to detect dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in K2-18b’s atmosphere, which may indicate the presence of extraterrestrial life.
- Dimethyl Sulphide (DMS):
- DMS is a chemical compound produced by marine phytoplankton on Earth.
- Its detection on another planet could be a biological marker for life, similar to Earth’s ecosystems.
- K2-18b: The Exoplanet:
- Discovered in 2015 during NASA’s K2 mission.
- K2-18b is more than eight times the size of Earth.
- Likely a “Hycean” world, with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and an ocean beneath its surface.
- Located 120 light-years away from Earth, making it a challenging yet exciting target for exploration.
- James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Overview:
- Launched in December 2021 as a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
- Positioned at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km from Earth.
- JWST is the largest and most powerful infrared telescope ever built.
- Its mission is to explore the universe’s history, from the Big Bang to the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets.
- Importance of the Mission:
- The discovery of DMS on K2-18b could be a breakthrough in the search for extraterrestrial life.
- Detecting DMS would suggest biological or organic processes occurring on K2-18b, similar to those on Earth.
- The mission could help answer the fundamental question: Are we alone in the universe?
Why In News
The James Webb Space Telescope is gearing up for a significant mission targeting K2-18b, a distant exoplanet located 120 light-years away, which has the potential to host extraterrestrial life. This mission could provide crucial insights into the conditions required for life beyond Earth and open new possibilities for discovering habitable worlds in our galaxy.
MCQs about Exploring K2-18b:The Search for Extraterrestrial Life
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What is the primary goal of the James Webb Space Telescope’s mission targeting K2-18b?
A. To explore the planet’s surface for signs of life
B. To detect dimethyl sulphide (DMS) in the planet’s atmosphere
C. To analyze the planet’s geological structure
D. To determine the planet’s temperature
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What is dimethyl sulphide (DMS), and why is its detection significant?
A. A chemical compound produced by volcanic activity, indicating a planet’s age
B. A gas primarily produced by marine phytoplankton on Earth, suggesting biological processes
C. A rare mineral that can only be found in meteorites, indicating space weather patterns
D. A radioactive element, suggesting the planet’s level of toxicity
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Which of the following is true about the exoplanet K2-18b?
A. It is smaller than Earth but has a similar atmosphere
B. It is over eight times larger than Earth and likely has an ocean beneath its hydrogen-rich atmosphere
C. It is located within our Solar System, orbiting Mars
D. It was discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2015
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What is the primary purpose of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)?
A. To travel to other galaxies and search for new stars
B. To study the history of the universe, from the Big Bang to the evolution of galaxies, stars, and planets
C. To detect black holes in distant galaxies
D. To map the surface of the Moon and Mars
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