Is there life on this planet? "This is the strongest evidence yet"

Observations of the planet "K2-18 b" by the space telescope "James Webb" revealed chemical traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) - compounds that are known on Earth only as products of life, writes the Guardian.

Although the presence of these molecules does not prove the existence of extraterrestrial life, scientists point out that it could represent a key step towards answering the question of whether humans are alone in space.

"This is the strongest evidence yet for biological activity outside the solar system. We are very cautious - we need to question both the authenticity of the signal and its meaning," said Professor Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge.

"K2-18 b", a planet in the constellation Leo, is almost nine times more massive than Earth and is located in the so-called "habitable zone of its star, a cool red dwarf".

Earlier observations indicated the presence of water vapor in its atmosphere, and later research showed the presence of methane. Madhusudhan emphasized that if these molecules are found to be indeed the products of life, it would be a historic moment.

However, many scientists remain skeptical, stating that there are other possible chemical or geological processes that could explain the presence of these molecules.

The research results were published in "The Astrophysical Journal Letters" and have a statistical probability of error of 0.3 percent, which is below the standard for officially confirmed scientific discoveries in physics.