James Webb detects molecule for the first time in space – 06/26/2023 – Science

The James Webb Telescope has detected a type of carbon molecule for the first time in space. The information was released on Monday (26) by NASA. The American space agency claims that the discovery is important because the substance is responsible for the formation of other carbon molecules essential to the emergence of life.

The molecule found is the methyl cation (CH3+). The location of the record was in a young star system. In the region, a protoplanetary disk has also been recorded, which is a compilation of matter that orbits around a star.

According to NASA, the presence of molecules such as CH3+ allows the study of the emergence of life on Earth and it is also possible that it is present in other regions of the universe. The agency also claims that the achievement demonstrates the high capacity that the telescope has in capturing the presence of molecules such as CH3+.

“This detection not only validates the incredible sensitivity of James Webb, but also confirms the central importance of CH3+ in interstellar chemistry,” said Marie-Aline Martin-Drumel of the University of Paris-Saclay in France and a member of the scientific team that worked on detecting the molecule, according to a NASA statement.

Normally, a molecule like CH3+ would be destroyed by ultraviolet radiation. But there is also the possibility that the effect is the opposite: UV radiation provides the necessary energy for the development of the methyl cation. Afterwards, chemical reactions can occur and they would generate more complex carbon molecules, related to the origin of life.

Therefore, this explanation of the reactions may be a way to explain the emergence and development of living organisms in further studies.