The Cambridge scientist who thinks he’s just discovered alien life

Is there life on...K2-18b?

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan believes he has discovered alien life on an exoplanet 120 light years away from Earth.

Speaking to Tom Swarbrick, he puts the chances of there being life on the faraway planet at '50/50'.

At the time of upload, the James Webb Space Telescope was observing the planet, and the analysis will take a few months. It follows the discovery of carbon dioxide on the planet in scans last year.

#tomswarbrick #space #LBC

LBC is the home of live debate around news and current affairs in the UK.

[jacobkuntflapp]

For those wondering, it's 124 light years away from Earth, which is approximately 2 and a half football fields.

[stitchwod]

For some reason I'm imagining that planet having the same exact interview about us

[otama]

“You could be the most famous person in the world soon”

“I just want to find the truth and leave it at that.” A true scientist and gentleman

[nickkowak]

Say you found oil on that planet, US will be there in two weeks

[TheSealDribble]

No bragging, no hyperbole, no claims of grandeur. Just talking about his duty and finding the truth. This is the kind of people that bring humanity forward!

[roadwarrior]

After recently discovering planet Earth, the scientists of K2-18 have concluded that no intelligent life exists here.

[SurajGupta_D]

We have Potentially discovered life on another Planet before GTA 6 💀

Edit: I got 18K likes before GTA 6 🗿

[nicomcmahon]

‼️Astrophysics student here, just wanted to mention that the detection for DMS in his data was about 2.4 sigma. Usually in astronomy we require 3 sigma to even consider it a reliable detection, and 5 sigma to be certain that it is not a result of some fluctuation of confounding variables. In physics, results less than 5 sigma are routinely discarded to be extra scrupulous. I think his assertion that the odds are 50/50 is bonkers and totally inflated. As far as I'm concerned, the odds are 0 until his results are replicated and confirmed by other researchers.

[MelliaBoomBot]

You could see the prof slowly relaxing as the interviewer actually asked proper questions with the right attitude..superb.

[manticore]

Forget life in space, we just found intelligent life on Earth - great interviewer and sensible scientist.

[mojojoji]

Detecting molecules from such a massive distance is insane to me

[TheTruthIsGonnaHurt]

This guy is the right type of humble.
Intelligence and Humility means he won't rush this, his ego won't get in the way, so the odds are high and I hope he succeeds!

[nickhockings]

I'm glad this Professor is a diligent, sober and cautious scientist, also that the interviewers asked serious questions.

[Aaackermann]

The real question: Is there oil?
Eagle screech

[nickd]

Considering the vast size of the universe, finding life this close would indicate that life would be fairly common throughout the universe.

[ryanbaker]

At 47, I grew up on a rural non light polluted cattle farm, Carl Sagan’s Cosmos on VHS, and dreams of the cosmos. To think that I am alive to see an instrument of such startling complexity and accuracy that can test, confirm or deny nearly everything that we’ve learned is mind boggling. 😮🎉❤

[Mkhehla]

"I would like to find what the truth is and leave it there. That is my number-1 duty here."

Respect!!

[balbindersingh]

Kudos to the interviewer for asking intelligent questions.

[xthegreatx]

They can find molecules on another planet but I still can’t find my tv remote in the house

[redization]

congratulations Professor Nikku Madhusudhan and team