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The scientific interest in K218B dates back to 2015 when it was first discovered orbiting its red dwarf star. The unique orbital characteristics of K218B sparked curiosity among scientists to investigate whether life could exist there. In 2019, researchers detected traces of water vapor in K218B’s atmosphere, a crucial component for life.
Over the years, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been employed to examine the chemical signatures of K218B’s atmosphere, leading to promising discoveries. In 2023, the JWST identified carbon dioxide and methane in its atmosphere—molecules synonymous with life—raising the excitement for a possible verification of extraterrestrial organisms.