An exoplanet more than eight times the size of Earth and potentially habitable has been discovered by scientists. Exoplanet K2-18 b was detected by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and piqued scientists’ interest after data suggested it may be covered in an ocean and have a hydrogen-rich atmosphere that could support life. Scientists are also encouraged by a hint of the detection of the molecule dimethyl sulphide (DMS). On Earth, DMS is only produced by microbial life, but the team has yet to confirm the detection and search for evidence of biological activity. The groundbreaking discovery of K2-18 b may see the exoplanet come under the unique classification of a “Hycean” planet – ones which are candidates for life thanks to their hydrogen-rich atmospheres and water cover. The amount of methane and carbon dioxide combined with the shortage of ammonia suggests there may be a water ocean underneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere in K2-18 b. K2-18 b lies within the constellation of Leo and orbits a dwarf star called K2-18. It lies around 120 light years away from Earth and is within the habitable zone. However, scientists added that this does not necessarily mean it can support life. Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the paper, explained: “Our findings underscore the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. “Traditionally, the search for life on exoplanets has focused primarily on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds are significantly more conducive to atmospheric observations.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

Jonah Hill, the Superbad actor and filmmaker, has welcomed his first baby with his girlfriend Olivia Millar. Hill, 39, was absent from his sister Beanie Feldstein’s wedding on 20 May and he did not appear in any photos or anywhere throughout Feldstein’s Vogue profile, raising speculation that the baby’s arrival may be imminent. The 21 Jump Street actor’s girlfriend was first seen with a baby bump in late March, in photos published by The Daily Mail. Hill’s representatives have now confirmed to the American publication People that Millar gave birth to a child in May but did not announce the baby’s name. Millar is the co-owner of an online vintage shop called Chasseresse, a business she owns with her sister. She was first spotted with Hill in August 2022 and the pair have been romantically linked ever since, keeping their relationship out of the public eye. Hill was previously engaged to photographer Gianna Santos before splitting in October 2020. Hill was then linked to surfer Sarah Brady and shut down claims that the two were engaged in February 2022. The Don’t Look Up actor, who has been more candid about his personal life in recent years – mainly his mental health – revealed in an open letter to fans that he has long dealt with anxiety and panic attacks. His Netflix documentary Stutz, a conversation between Hill and his longtime therapist Phil Stutz, was made to give other people the tools he learned through therapy. Hill decided not to promote the film but instead wrote a letter to his fans, which read: “The whole purpose of making this film is to give therapy and the tools I’ve learned in therapy to a wide audience for private use through an entertaining film. “Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public-facing events.” Read More Triathlete proudly shares ‘beautiful’ racing photo where she bled through swimsuit while on her period Prince William overheard telling Kate to ‘chop chop’ at Jordan royal wedding A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin admitted to hospital amid terminal diagnosis

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