📝 News Summary:

Nikku Madhusudhan, at 45, has made one of the most significant discoveries in modern astrophysics. His groundbreaking work led to the detection of potential signs of life on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo. Using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Madhusudhan and his team identified gas signatures like dimethyl sulfide (DMS)—a molecule primarily produced by life on Earth.

In an exclusive interview with Wknd, Madhusudhan discusses how he knew where to look for signs of life, his thoughts on what these gas signatures might mean, and the broader implications for the search for extraterrestrial life. He explains the cutting-edge technology used to detect these molecules and the excitement within the scientific community about the possibility that K2-18b could harbor microbial life.

Madhusudhan reflects on his career, his early fascination with astrobiology, and what drives him to continue exploring the potential for life beyond our planet. The discovery, which has sparked intense interest, raises new questions about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.