NASA’s Webb Telescope discovers life ingredients near protostars

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has made groundbreaking discoveries, detecting a complex mix of icy molecules around young stars IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385, which are crucial for life. These findings include substances like ethanol and potentially acetic acid, observed with Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), co-developed by NASA and ESA, with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory managing the US contribution and European institutes for ESA.

Scientists believe these complex organic molecules formed from ices transforming directly from solid to gas, suggesting the early stages of potentially habitable planet formation. The presence of simple compounds such as formic acid, methane, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide further indicates similarities with the chemistry of early Earth. Specifically, sulfur compounds like sulfur dioxide could have been vital for metabolic reactions on early Earth.

Ewine van Dishoeck from Leiden University, involved in coordinating the science program, mentioned the significance of these molecules in the development of comets, asteroids, and new planetary systems. This discovery offers insights into planetary formation and life’s potential in the universe.

The research is part of the James Webb Observations of Young ProtoStars (JOYS+) program, honoring Harold Linnartz, a crucial team member who passed away in December 2023. This work promises to enhance our understanding of how life-forming conditions may arise across the cosmos.