Remote observation by Webb reveals unprecedented riches in hydrocarbon chemistry within the sphere of a distant celestial body during its star-forming stage.

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers, led by Daniel Harsono, have used the James Webb Space Telescope to study the protoplanetary disc surrounding a young, low-mass star named ISO-ChaI 147. This disc, one tenth the mass of our Sun, is a remnant of the star's formation and holds the potential for planetary formation.

The higher sensitivity and spectral resolution of Webb allowed the detection of less abundant molecules in the disc, revealing the richest hydrocarbon chemistry ever seen in a protoplanetary disc. The spectrum analysis by Webb's Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) has shed light on this intriguing celestial body, offering a unique perspective on planet formation.

The observations have provided valuable insights into the planet-forming environment around ISO-ChaI 147. The data suggests that discs around low-mass stars may evolve differently compared to discs around more massive stars. The gas in the disc around ISO-ChaI 147 is rich in carbon, as revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope. Thirteen carbon-bearing molecules up to benzene, including the first detection of ethane beyond our Solar System, were identified.

Ethylene, propyne, and the methyl radical CH3 were successfully detected in a protoplanetary disc for the first time. These hydrocarbon molecules, such as ethane and ethylene, have already been found in our Solar System, for example in comets like 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and C/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy).

The detection of such complex molecules in ISO-ChaI 147's protoplanetary disc suggests that hydrocarbon molecules in protoplanetary discs are not just diverse but also abundant. The disc contains the ingredients from which planets may eventually form.

Aditya Arabhavi, the lead author of the study, states that Webb's observations are not possible from Earth due to atmospheric blocking. The full paper can be read at www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi8147.

This discovery underscores the potential of the James Webb Space Telescope in unveiling the mysteries of the universe and deepening our understanding of planet formation. The same process of planet formation occurred in our own Solar System, with planets, moons, and asteroids developing from the protoplanetary disc that surrounded our young Sun. The findings from ISO-ChaI 147's protoplanetary disc may provide clues about the early stages of our own Solar System's development.

Tiny grains of dust in the disc coalesce under gravity over time, growing until they become planets. As these planets form and orbit their star, they can provide a suitable environment for life to develop. The insights gained from studying ISO-ChaI 147's protoplanetary disc may help us better understand the conditions necessary for life to form and thrive.

Remote observation by Webb reveals unprecedented riches in hydrocarbon chemistry within the sphere of a distant celestial body during its star-forming stage.