James Webb Telescope Spots Complex Organic Molecules Near Forming Stars, Revealing Planetary Origins

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected intricate organic compounds swirling around two nascent stars, providing insight into the origin of habitable planets' fundamental components. These compounds, essential for life, have puzzled scientists regarding their space origins.

Will Rocha, from Leiden University, suggests that these molecules form during ice sublimation, shedding light on long-standing questions in astrochemistry.

Origins and Delivery of Complex Organic Molecules Around Protostars

Previously hypothesized, complex organic molecules (COMs) in solid ice form are anticipated to exist around protostars, particularly those yet to initiate planetary formation. It is theorized that these molecules are generated through the direct sublimation of solid ice into gas, bypassing the liquid phase. Detecting these icy COMs could provide insights into the origins of larger space molecules.

Furthermore, scientists seek to comprehend the mechanisms by which molecules like COMs are transported to planets during the later stages of protostar evolution, nearing the onset of hydrogen-to-helium fusion in their cores.

One theory posits that icy materials are more readily transported through planetary disks compared to gases, potentially leading to the incorporation of COMs into forming comets as solid matter. Subsequently, these comets could collide with nascent planets, delivering COMs and fostering conditions conducive to life.

JWST Probes Early-Stage Stars for Origins of Complex Organic Molecules

Using the JWST's Mid-Infrared Instrument, Rocha and his team examined the areas surrounding two protostars, IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385, with a particular focus on IRAS 2A due to its resemblance to early-stage stars in our solar system's infancy.

In the frigid dust enveloping these young stars, they discovered icy compounds containing various substances such as ethanol, acetic acid, and methane. These findings suggest that these compounds originate from solids transitioning directly into gas through sublimation, bypassing the liquid phase entirely.

The presence of complex organic molecules within icy environments suggests a potential mechanism for these molecules to travel across galaxies, eventually becoming integrated into comets, asteroids, and emerging planetary systems as protostellar systems evolve.

Ewine van Dishoeck, a co-author of the study, anticipates further exploration of this astrochemical trail with additional data from the JWST in the future. This discovery underscores the role of icy materials as carriers of essential building blocks for life across vast cosmic distances.

Rocha and his team's research offers insights into the origins of complex organic molecules in space, addressing longstanding questions in astrochemistry. Their work indicates that solid-phase chemical reactions on the surfaces of cold dust grains contribute to the formation of diverse molecular species within icy environments.

The detection of complex organic molecules around protostars provides clues to the intricate processes occurring during the early stages of planetary formation. The study, titled "JWST Observations of Young protoStars (JOYS+): Detecting icy complex organic molecules and ions," is set to be published in Astronomy & Astrophysics.

Through ongoing exploration facilitated by instruments like the JWST, scientists aim to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and understand the fundamental mechanisms driving the emergence of life-sustaining environments across the universe.

Check out more news and information on the James Webb Space Telescope in Science Times.