JWST Uncovers Complex Chemistry in Young Protoplanetary Disks
Today, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has revealed a new discovery about the chemistry of disks surrounding young stars. The telescope has found that the disks are much more complex than previously thought, with a variety of molecules and minerals present. This could have implications for how planets form in the future. Researchers used the JWST to analyze the disks around two young stars, located in the constellation Taurus. They found that the disks are made up of a diverse range of molecules, such as carbon monoxide and water vapor, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium. The diversity of materials suggests that many of the building blocks of planets are already present in the disks. The findings also indicate that the disks are much more complex than previously believed. This could have implications for how planets form and how they evolve over time.
source: Phys.org