Alien Oceans? The K2-18b Breakthrough

Micha Verg

Alright, welcome back everyone to The UFO Timeline Project podcast! We've got a big one for you today—maybe one of the biggest since, I don’t know, Roswell? The discovery of possible signs of life on—wait for it—another planet. K2-18b.

Victoria Bakken

It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? This timeless question—whether we’re alone or not—has captivated humanity for centuries. And now, this discovery has everyone, from scientists to everyday stargazers, asking the same thing.

Micha Verg

Yeah, yeah, but let’s not downplay it, Victoria. Possible signs of life! I mean, this is the stuff we dream about. This isn’t just another rock floating out there—this exoplanet might actually have what they call, uh, habitable conditions or something like that.

Victoria Bakken

That's right. And it’s important to stress how profound this could be. If this discovery holds up under scrutiny, it could redefine so much of what we know about biology, chemistry—

Micha Verg

And don't forget history—

Victoria Bakken

—and yes, history, too. But I think what makes this even more exciting is how it connects to this universal sense of wonder about who else might be out there. K2-18b is, of course, just one possible piece of that puzzle.

Micha Verg

But what a piece, right? Between you and me—and, okay, our audience—I gotta say, Victoria, this feels like a “before and after” moment for exoplanet discovery. Like, we're we're crossing some kind of threshold here. It’s crazy to think about.

Victoria Bakken

It really is. And as always, it's one thing to get excited, but it’s another to dig into the science—the how and the why behind it all. That’s what we’ll be exploring today—starting, of course, with the basics. What exactly is K2-18b and what makes it such a headline-grabber?

Micha Verg

Alright, as promised, let’s dig into the how and the why. K2-18b—sure, the name’s not exactly poetry, but the planet? It’s anything but boring. In fact, for anyone who’s ever asked, ‘Are we alone?’—this place might just be the kind of answer we’ve been searching for.

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. And part of what makes it so fascinating is its classification. Astronomers have labeled K2-18b as a possible “Hycean world.” Now, this is a term that combines two key features—hydrogen and ocean. Essentially, they think this planet could have vast, global oceans sitting under a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Micha Verg

Wait. Hold up. Like oceans? Like alien oceans? That’s wild!

Victoria Bakken

That’s right, and not just any oceans. Picture this: deep, possibly endless waters stretching across the entire planet, cloaked in a heavy atmosphere filled with hydrogen. And what’s more—we’re talking about an exoplanet orbiting a dim, red dwarf star in the Leo constellation.

Micha Verg

Oof, a red sun in the sky? That sounds like something straight outta sci-fi. And I mean, depending on where you’re standing—or hovering, I guess—you’d see this thick atmosphere filtering the sunlight. It’d be so... alien, you know?

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. And it’s worth noting that this red light would give everything a muted, almost surreal glow. The surface, if there is one beneath the oceans, might never see sunlight as we know it. Some scientists even suggest the temperature and pressure variations in those waters might create environments similar to hydrothermal vents on Earth.

Micha Verg

Hydrothermal vents? You mean like the ones where those crazy tube worms live? Those ecosystems so extreme that they’re like, completely separate from the rest of life on Earth?

Victoria Bakken

Yes, exactly. Places where life thrives in conditions that would be downright deadly for us. That’s part of what makes K2-18b so tantalizing. If life emerged there, it could look—

Micha Verg

So different! Like, totally alien compared to anything we’ve ever imagined. And now, I'm I'm just picturing these oceans filled with glowing creatures weaving through the currents, under this eerie red sky.

Victoria Bakken

And while we don’t know yet if anything actually lives there, just the potential is enough to get everyone talking. It’s a reminder of how vast and varied the possibilities for life really are out there.

Micha Verg

Right, and to think, they’ve been eyeing this planet for a while now, but it’s only recently that we’ve started to really dig into it. It's all thanks to this—

Victoria Bakken

...only recently started to really dig into it. And speaking of digging in, let’s talk about how we’re able to get all this incredible information in the first place. The real hero here is the James Webb Space Telescope—JWST. This technological marvel is what allowed scientists to make such groundbreaking observations about K2-18b.

Micha Verg

Right, right, the JWST. It’s like the superhero of space exploration. I mean, Hubble was great, but Webb basically leveled up the game, right?

Victoria Bakken

Absolutely. Unlike Hubble, which mainly observed in visible and ultraviolet light, JWST focuses on the infrared spectrum. This means it can peer through clouds of gas and dust to see things we’ve never seen before—including exoplanet atmospheres.

Micha Verg

So, wait, it’s like x-ray vision—just for space? That’s so cool. But, uh, how exactly does it figure out what's in the atmosphere of a planet that's, what, like 120 light-years away?

Victoria Bakken

Great question. It uses a technique called spectroscopy. Essentially, when light from a star passes through a planet's atmosphere, molecules in that atmosphere absorb certain wavelengths of light. By analyzing the missing wavelengths—the absorption lines—scientists can determine which molecules are present.

Micha Verg

Oh, so it’s like... decoding a secret alien recipe or something? Like, ‘Hey, here's a dash of methane, a sprinkle of carbon dioxide?’

Victoria Bakken

That’s actually not a bad analogy. For K2-18b, JWST detected methane, carbon dioxide, and—get this—potential traces of a molecule called dimethyl sulfide, or DMS. On Earth, DMS is mostly produced by microbial life in oceans.

Micha Verg

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Are you saying we’ve got, like, microbial evidence of aliens? Tiny aliens in alien oceans? This is nuts!

Victoria Bakken

Well, hold on. It’s not definitive yet. DMS is part of the reason scientists are so excited, but they’re being very cautious too. The signals could have alternative explanations. Like methane and carbon dioxide—those were detected back in 2023, and while they’re important, they don’t automatically mean life.

Micha Verg

Okay, fair, fair. But still, those elements together, in the habitable zone— you’ve gotta admit, that’s a pretty strong hint.

Victoria Bakken

It is. And to give credit where it’s due, this discovery builds on years of work by researchers like Professor Nikku Madhusudhan at the University of Cambridge. He’s been leading the charge on investigating K2-18b’s atmosphere. Here’s what he had to say:

Micha Verg

Oh yeah, let’s hear it!

Victoria Bakken

Madhusudhan said, “Our findings underline the importance of considering diverse habitable environments in the search for life elsewhere. Tradition has largely focused on smaller rocky planets, but the larger Hycean worlds—in this case, K2-18b—might be just as promising.”

Micha Verg

Man, I love that. It’s like science itself is telling us to expand our imaginations. Like, stop thinking small, right?

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. And this discovery is a testament to how far we’ve come in just a few decades. From wondering if exoplanets even existed at all, to analyzing the atmospheres of potentially habitable ones? It’s incredible progress.

Victoria Bakken

You’re absolutely right, Micha—it’s amazing to see how far we've come. And that excitement? Totally justified. But at the same time, it’s worth noting that discoveries like these rely on a careful approach. Science demands that excitement is always paired with strong evidence and healthy skepticism.

Micha Verg

Totally fair, but I gotta say, it’s hard not to get swept up in the idea of alien oceans and microbial life. I mean, can you blame people for getting carried away?

Victoria Bakken

Not at all. Excitement is part of the journey. But skepticism is essential for ensuring that we don’t draw premature conclusions. For example, scientists are very cautious because gases like methane and carbon dioxide don’t exclusively indicate life. Abiotic processes—non-biological ones—can produce them too.

Micha Verg

Ah, so, like, volcanic activity or something? The planet could just be belching gases?

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. In fact, that’s one of the primary alternative explanations being considered. The atmosphere of K2-18b might simply be the result of geological or chemical processes that mimic some of the markers we associate with life.

Micha Verg

Okay, okay, I get that. But I mean, doesn’t the detection of stuff like DMS—that dimethyl sulfide—kind of give scientists a stronger case for life?

Victoria Bakken

Stronger, yes, but not conclusive. That’s why independent studies and repeated observations are critical. One interesting comment I came across was from Professor Sara Seager at MIT. She pointed out that while the data is promising, it’s also limited, and only with time and advanced techniques can we truly confirm the findings.

Micha Verg

So, basically, it’s a “don’t pop the champagne just yet” situation?

Victoria Bakken

Pretty much. And the scientific community is full of thoughtful skeptics who emphasize this. Astrophysicist Jill Tarter said something that stuck with me: ‘Before we celebrate, let’s make sure the conclusion is watertight.’ It’s a reminder of how science moves—one careful step at a time.

Micha Verg

You know, I respect that. But man, it’s gotta be frustrating for some people to hear, like, ‘We’ve found something amazing, but let’s not call it amazing just yet.’

Victoria Bakken

Oh, absolutely. But that’s the beauty of science. It’s self-correcting, which ultimately makes it more reliable. And skepticism isn’t just about doubt—it’s about curiosity, about asking the right questions to get us closer to the truth.

Micha Verg

Okay, I see that. But still, it kinda feels like we’re standing on the edge of something huge. Like one good discovery away from totally blowing our minds.

Victoria Bakken

And that’s why it’s so important to keep exploring. At the same time, we need to respect the process, because whether it turns out to be life or not, we’re learning invaluable things about distant worlds like K2-18b and expanding our understanding of the universe.

Micha Verg

You’re absolutely right, Victoria—respecting the process is crucial. But let’s just pause for a moment and dream. What if—just what if—we’ve actually stumbled on evidence of alien life? Like, forget sci-fi for a second. I’m talking real-life first contact, even if it’s just microbes swimming around in alien oceans.

Victoria Bakken

It’s a thrilling thought, isn’t it? And I mean, if microbial life exists on K2-18b, it could suggest that life itself is far more common in the universe than we’ve ever dared to believe. But it raises a question, doesn’t it? What actually counts as life?

Micha Verg

Oh, totally. Like, if we’re talking about little guys you can’t see without a microscope, does that change anything for most people back here on Earth? Would people even see it as aliens?

Victoria Bakken

That’s a great question. For a lot of us, the idea of alien life is wrapped up in Hollywood’s fun, dramatic interpretations—advanced civilizations, flying saucers. But even microbes could be profoundly important. It would mean that Earth isn’t unique—biology isn’t some one-off accident. It’s a universal phenomenon. That’s... huge.

Micha Verg

Right? And you’ve gotta think—if life exists there, even just microorganisms, it opens the floodgates for more questions. Is life more likely on these Hycean worlds then? Could complex life evolve there? Or, or, are we gonna find more planets like this, with different kinds of life forms scattered across the galaxy?

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. And it also challenges us to reconsider what living environments we thought were viable. I mean, until a few decades ago, we didn’t even know life on Earth could survive in extreme places like hydrothermal vents. K2-18b might take that idea to the next level, suggesting a whole new kind of “alien biology.”

Micha Verg

Oh man, I I love that—like a new rulebook for life. But can you imagine what else it means for us? ‘Cause if we know life isn’t unique to Earth, doesn’t that make us rethink, like, our place in the universe?

Victoria Bakken

It absolutely does. Philosophically, spiritually, even politically—it could shift perspectives in so many ways. Are we equipped as a species to truly grasp that level of connectedness? And maybe, just maybe, it would encourage a greater sense of stewardship for our own planet.

Micha Verg

Right, like, if we find it out there, it’s even more important not to destroy what we’ve got here. But here’s another thing, Victoria—what would it mean for exploration? Would it supercharge space programs? Push for more missions to places like the moons of Jupiter, or even, I don’t know, the next Hycean world?

Victoria Bakken

It very well could. A discovery like this would show us what’s possible if we invest in science and exploration. The search for life—whether it’s microscopic or something more—might become a defining mission for humanity in the coming centuries.

Micha Verg

Wow, it’s wild to think about. And you know what’s crazy? Even if it’s just little microbes, it’s still proof that life finds a way in the most unexpected places. Like, the universe is way more alive than we ever imagined.

Victoria Bakken

Definitely. And each discovery adds another piece to the puzzle. It’s a reminder that we’re only scratching the surface of what’s out there. Who knows how many other surprising answers—and questions—are waiting to be found?

Victoria Bakken

Speaking of all these incredible possibilities with K2-18b, Micha, it really makes you wonder—what’s next for the science? Where do we even begin uncovering the next clues?

Micha Verg

Honestly, that feels like the million-dollar question, right? ‘Cause, I I mean, we’ve come so far, but there’s still so much to figure out. Like, what’s the next step for the team working on this?

Victoria Bakken

Well, the immediate focus will be on confirming these findings. That means more data, more observations—basically doing everything possible to corroborate what they’ve seen so far. Peer review is gonna be key here, too, since every claim needs to be scrutinized from every angle.

Micha Verg

Right, right, and this is like, where all the science nerds jump in and start poking at the data, trying to figure out if they’ve missed anything. It’s like the ultimate fact-checking exercise.

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. And that’s what keeps discoveries like this credible. Without rigorous testing and independent verification, these kinds of findings don’t hold water in the scientific community. But assuming the data holds up... well, it opens the door for targeted follow-ups.

Micha Verg

Follow-ups like, uh, better telescopes? Or are we talking actual space missions? You know I’m I’m itching for some boots-on-the-ground—or whatever the alien equivalent of ground is.

Victoria Bakken

We’re not quite at the “landing on exoplanets” stage yet, Micha, but new technologies are absolutely part of the equation. For instance, there’s already talk of expanding on what JWST started. Instruments like the upcoming Extremely Large Telescope—aptly named, by the way—could provide even sharper views of exoplanet atmospheres.

Micha Verg

Okay, but how big is “extremely big”? Like, is it the size of a football field or something?

Victoria Bakken

Not quite that big, but close. It’ll have a primary mirror that’s about 39 meters across, making it the largest optical telescope ever built. That means it can collect more light, giving us insanely detailed data from distant planets. And this kind of resolution? It could even help detect biosignatures more definitively.

Micha Verg

Oh, so we’re talking, like, better chance to spot alien gases—or maybe even oceans—or who knows what else? That’s so cool.

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. Plus, there’s the PLATO mission set to launch in the next few years. That’s a European Space Agency project designed to search for Earth-like planets and study their habitability. And let’s not forget ground-based observatories like TMT and GMT—the Thirty Meter Telescope and the Giant Magellan Telescope. All of these are tools to dive deeper into the atmospheres and conditions of exoplanets like K2-18b.

Micha Verg

Okay, pause for a second. PLATO, TMT, GMT—there’s like a whole alphabet soup of missions lined up. It’s insane how much effort is going into this.

Victoria Bakken

It really is. And it’s all driven by this growing idea that we’re on the cusp of something incredible. Every new instrument, every mission—each one gets us closer to answering that age-old question: Are we alone?

Micha Verg

And honestly, with stuff like DMS and all that coming up, it feels like we’re standing right on the threshold. Like one step away from a discovery that could totally change the game.

Micha Verg

You know, Victoria, after all that talk about PLATO, telescopes, and everything coming up, it’s no wonder people are losing their minds over this K2-18b discovery. Have you checked out some of the online reactions? It’s wild how big this is getting!

Victoria Bakken

I have, Micha. And it's fascinating to see how many different angles people are coming at it from—some excited, some skeptical, some just soaking it all in. What kind of comments stood out to you?

Micha Verg

Oh man, where to begin? Okay, so one person on Twitter said—and I’m paraphrasing—“This is the start of the human-alien connection. First microbes, then phone calls.” Like, they’re already planning interplanetary diplomacy! It’s wild.

Victoria Bakken

That doesn’t surprise me. The idea of even the smallest signs of life out there taps into something so deep for people—our desire to connect, to not feel so alone in the universe. What else did you see?

Micha Verg

Alright, so here’s another one—someone emailed us asking, “If K2-18b has oceans, does that mean it also has fish?” Fish, Victoria! People are skipping right past microbes and going straight to alien sushi menus!

Victoria Bakken

That’s such a fun leap, but it does bring up a bigger question, doesn’t it? If there’s microbial life in those oceans—and that’s a big "if"—could it evolve into something more complex? The possibilities are endless, though still firmly theoretical for now.

Micha Verg

Oh, totally. But hey, not everyone is ready to hop on the “aliens confirmed” train just yet. One listener asked, “Why’s everyone freaking out? We don’t even know if the DMS signal is legit.” And, I mean, fair point, right?

Victoria Bakken

Absolutely. That’s one of the things I’ve noticed in a lot of the reactions. For every person dreaming about alien ecosystems, there’s another asking the hard questions about the data. And honestly? Both mindsets are crucial. Science grows by balancing bold ideas with healthy skepticism.

Micha Verg

Yeah, yeah, I get that. But then there’s the skeptics who go, like, way too far. Someone commented, “This is just scientists hyping up nothing again to get funding.” Which, come on, feels a bit harsh, don’t you think?

Victoria Bakken

It does. But I can understand where that frustration comes from. As groundbreaking as this news might be, history has given us plenty of false starts when it comes to finding life beyond Earth. If anything, it’s a reminder of how important it is to communicate these discoveries clearly, so people understand both the excitement and the limitations.

Micha Verg

Yeah, that’s fair. Oh, and get this—a voicemail we got was literally just someone yelling, “First contact is coming!” over and over. No name, no question. Just pure, unfiltered hype.

Victoria Bakken

That kind of enthusiasm is infectious though, isn’t it? It shows how deeply discoveries like this resonate, even if they’re still unfolding. Whether you’re a scientist, a skeptic, or just someone yelling “First contact”—it’s the curiosity that unites us.

Micha Verg

Exactly. And honestly, that curiosity is the best part. It’s like everyone—no matter where they’re coming from—is part of this cosmic conversation, asking, “What’s next?”

Micha Verg

You know, Victoria, after hearing all those reactions and questions, it really feels like we’re all staring into this cosmic abyss of possibilities together. Doesn’t it just make you want to dive even deeper into the unknown?

Victoria Bakken

It really does. This discovery, even if it’s still uncertain, reflects the incredible progress we’re making in uncovering the mysteries of the cosmos. It’s proof that humanity’s drive to explore and understand knows no bounds.

Micha Verg

I love that. And just think—what makes this particularly wild is how much of it is still a question mark. Like, I I keep coming back to that feeling—what if life is out there? Even if it’s tiny, microbial life, it’s enough to change how we see ourselves and our place in the universe. Like, this moment could go down in history.

Victoria Bakken

Exactly. It’s a reminder that as we explore worlds like K2-18b, we’re not just searching for life somewhere else. We’re also discovering parts of ourselves—the curiosity, the wonder, and the hope that drives us to keep asking, ‘What else is out there?’

Micha Verg

Couldn't have put it better myself. And this is just the beginning, right? With everything coming down the pipeline—new telescopes, new missions, and who knows, maybe even more discoveries hiding in plain sight—we’re standing on the edge of something massive.

Victoria Bakken

We are. And as exciting as this journey has been so far, it’s just a small part of a much bigger story. Whether it’s K2-18b or another distant world, the search for life will continue to inspire, challenge, and unite us in ways we can’t yet imagine.

Micha Verg

And hey, on that note, I just wanna say—it’s been such a blast diving into this with you, Victoria. And to our listeners? If this has you as fired up as we are, don’t forget—we’ve got way more where this came from. Stick around for next time, where we’ll be talking about exoplanets, biosignatures, and, well, the wild future of cosmic exploration.

Victoria Bakken

That’s right. The search for answers goes on, and we’re excited to take that journey with all of you. Until then, keep looking up.

Micha Verg

And stay curious!