Did JWST Really Just Find Alien Life Or Can It Be Something Else? Critical Analysis of K2-18b

Hello and welcome! My name is Anton and in this video, we will talk about the recent discovery of a biosignature called DMS on a planet K2-18b and how likely it is to be real
Links:
#dms #k218b #aliens

0:00 What is this planet?
1:34 More about DMS gas
2:40 How this gas is produced
4:50 Original papers about DMS and biosignatures
7:00 DMS on Earth
7:20 But on other planets...
8:30 How likely is this detection correct?
9:00 Biases and criticisms
10:10 Quality of data and observations
11:45 More observations planned

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[whatdamath]

Important sidenote: DMS is a name of two very different gases that sound very similar
Dimethyl Sulfide - the gas in this video produced by life and allegedly the smell of the ocean and
Dimethyl Sulfate - a toxic element that was once almost used in WW1 to kill people
Not sure why they're both called DMS, but if you're going to be googling them, be aware (I made that mistake when researching this)

[witwisniewski]

This is at least a great opportunity to practice handling DMS false alarms. We definitely need to follow up on this planet, but also build methodologies for future observations of similar planets. This is a real life exercise.

[Benson_aka_devils_advocate_]

Dr Becky made a very good video explaining how the sensor used on JWST can't tease out DMS on its own. But future observations are planned using a different sensor, and hence can see in different wavelengths, that WILL be able to see a spectrum that can tease out DMS on its own.

Edit: Anton touched on this fact. But Becky really went into detail on why the sensor used so far isn't able to see DMS on its own.

Plus, these worlds are so different from anything we can look at in our own star system that we have NO way of knowing whether there are natural ways to produce this molecule.

So a lot more observation is needed. And more detailed modeling needs to be done to see if these planets have an as yet unknown way to create it that isn't from living organisms.

[Ironflame]

Your videos are always such high-quality! Thank you for covering topics like this so comprehensively, your work is such a gift to the world.

[gildardorivasvalles]

I thank you very much for all your efforts, Anton. You are one of very few that reports the actual science without sensationalism, yet still present things in a simple and entertaining manner.

[michaeltape]

I like how you consistently take into consideration and communicate the quality of the information. Thanks Anton.

[midbay]

love your vids dude, i hope you are doing well and thanks for all your insights

[DreckbobBratpfanne]

I have the feeling that the "some unknown chemistry may be the reason" will always be the last stand with any chemical signature found. Because its practically impossible to rule this out, even if a planet had the same athmosphere like earth, how can you be 100% sure its not just some odd chemistry we dont know about. It would always be a "maybe" until you literally have it under a microscope or in direct sight

[playeryoshi]

Yay, more news about K2-18b. Im excited to finish this video!

Although being honest, September has been a surprising month for this channel and thats crazy!

[RancidLimes]

There's something about the music at the end of all of your videos. After watching a video of yours, having my perspective of the universe shifted and the existentially ominous music play is the perfect combination! Thank you for your videos, Anton!

[aaronwhite]

Fantastic as always. Thank you so much for this wonderful presentation of fascinating info!

[popcornchicken]

Just wanted to express my appreciation for your efforts, Anton. It’s a nice feeling to be able to keep up on current events and know that I’m getting solid information and data. And an even better feeling to know that this is being seen by so many people; and growing all the time. I hope you continue your wonderful work. We are all very grateful for it.

[naomiseedberg]

I am so happy to have found your channel. I learn so much ❤.

[richardmann]

Another top post Anton & glad you put the breaks on this for reasons you stated.
Great news that more observations are scheduled. It's hard not to be exited by JWST & we are living through extraordinary times with this wonderful telescope that's accelerated our understanding of the wider Universe

[Joskz]

Thank you for explaining every subject so clearly. Your knowledge and hard-work really shows.

[milavm]

Anton, thanks for all your work and the education on science given to us. It is always great to hear you. ❤

[babbaracos]

That's why I love this channel! Thx for the quick update!

[davidbellecy]

As always Anton is the best science channel on YouTube. Logic and reason, no hype.

[timurnakhipov]

At this point it feels like life is everywhere.

[VistipoeVii]

I have to watch this one quite a few times. Going to take a while to grasp all that info thanks to you and yours!