We Found Water on a Habitable Zone Exoplanet

Two teams discovered water in the atmosphere of exoplanet K2-18b, using Hubble Space Telescope data. This planet, located 110 light-years away, is in its star's habitable zone, raising interest in its potential for life. However, its proximity to a red dwarf star makes it unlikely to support life due to harmful radiation. The discovery highlights the capabilities of current telescopes and the need for future missions like the James Webb Space Telescope. Additionally, a new interstellar object, Borisov, was detected, offering insights into star system formation and the role of amateur astronomers in space discoveries.

What discovery did the two teams from the UK and North America report regarding K2-18b?

Why is the discovery of water in K2-18b's atmosphere significant?

What challenges do astronomers face in determining the exact amount of water vapor in K2-18b's atmosphere?

What are the characteristics of the star that K2-18b orbits, and how does it affect the planet?

What is the significance of the interstellar object C/2019 Q4 Borisov, and how does it compare to 'Oumuamua?