Astronomers reported Wednesday that they detected for the first time an organic molecule containing carbon in the atmosphere of a distant planet, which is outside our solar system.

Scientists reported in the Journal Science that methane was discovered in the atmosphere of the planet, which is the size of Jupiter and about 63 light years away. Methane consists of carbon and hydrogen and is the simplest organic compound. Water, another crucial element that supports life, was also found in the planet’s atmosphere, but scientists say the planet is far too hot to offer suitable conditions for life to develop.

“This planet is a gas giant very similar to our own Jupiter, but orbiting very close to its star. The methane here, although we can call it an organic constituent, is not produced by life - it is way too hot there for life,” co-author of the study Giovanna Tinetti from University College, London, told BBC News.

The scientists made the discovery using a method called spectroscopy, which divides light into its components. The method can be applied using a new generation of space telescopes that can detect organic molecules on other far away planets. Researchers are hopeful that with the new technology they will be able to find out more about other planets and whether they offer the conditions necessary for life.

“I definitely think that life is out there. My personal view is it is way too arrogant to think that we are the only ones living in the Universe,” Tinetti said.