An international team of astronomers using the NASA/ESA/Webb James Webb Space Telescope made a startling discovery: a wealth of carbon molecules floating around a massive asteroid the smallest called ISO-ChaI 147.
It has a mass of precisely 0.11 times that of our Sun, . It is estimated to be between 1 million and 2 million years old.The discovery sheds some light on the chemical environment of planet formation and challenges our theories about planetary structure.
The Rich Chemistry of Protoplanetary Discs
Planets form in the gas and dust surrounding young stars. While terrestrial planets around very low mass stars are more likely to be expected than gas giants, their exact numbers are still largely unknown for example the Trappist-1 system with seven planets with rocks boasting at astronomical units 0.1 (au), their structure we have long assumed is Earth-like
But the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) at the James Webb Space Telescope reveals a different story. The atmosphere in the planet-forming zone around ISO-ChaI 147 is rich in carbon, which may explain why Earth itself is low in carbon.
Webb’s excellent sensitivity and spectral resolution will allow scientists to go beyond previous observations and detect faint radiation from less dense molecules
A Carbon-Rich Cosmic Symphony
The MIRI spectrum revealed an impressive array of carbon-bearing molecules—a total of more than benzene 13. Among these, ethane (C2H6) stands out as the first identifier of this fully saturated hydrocarbon after the sun.
Ethylene (C2H4), propyne (C3H4), and the methyl radical CH3 also preceded the protoplanetary cycle. These observations provide important indicators of the environmental conditions necessary for the formation of planets.
Unique advantages of the Web
Unlike Earth telescopes, Webb’s ability to penetrate our atmosphere allows him to explore the universe with unprecedented accuracy. This discovery broke previous precedents, showing the diversity and abundance of hydrocarbon chemistry around dwarf stars.
As we discover the mysteries of the universe, sightings like these remind us that even small stars can hold cosmic wonders. So the next time you look at the night sky, remember that the dance of carbon molecules determines the fate of the planets.
