Researchers from Johns Hopkins University used the James Webb Space Telescope to discover trace amounts of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere of exoplanet HD 189733 b, located 64 light-years away.

The finding indicates that the planet has a distinct rotten egg smell due to the presence of hydrogen sulfide.

Other detected elements include water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and high levels of heavy metals similar to those found on Jupiter.

These elements suggest that HD 189733 b's formation process involved water-rich icy planetesimals.

The extreme heat on HD 189733 b, linked to volcanic vents, makes the planet unsuitable for colonization.

This discovery enhances our understanding of planetary composition beyond our solar system.

The research aids in the search for more habitable locations and contributes to the study of exoplanetary atmospheres.

Future research will focus on tracking sulfur levels in other exoplanets, potentially leading to the discovery of signs of alien life on planets with similar molecules.