\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWebb Finds Plethora of Carbon Molecules Around Young Star\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webb-stsci-01hz2nk29nfz7h63hmz8446jm3-2k.jpg?w=1536\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThis is an artist\u2019s impression of a young star surrounded by a disk of gas and dust.<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAn international team of astronomers has used NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to study the disk of gas and dust around a young, very low-mass star. The results reveal the largest number of carbon-containing molecules seen to date in such a disk. These findings have implications for the potential composition of any planets that might form around this star.<\/p>\n
Rocky planets are more likely than gas giants to form around low-mass stars, making them the most common planets around the most common stars in our galaxy. Little is known about the chemistry of such worlds, which may be similar to or very different from Earth. By studying the disks from which such planets form, astronomers hope to better understand the planet formation process and the compositions of the resulting planets.<\/p>\n
Planet-forming disks around very low-mass stars are difficult to study because they are smaller and fainter than disks around high-mass stars. A program called the MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) Mid-INfrared Disk Survey (MINDS) aims to use Webb\u2019s unique capabilities to build a bridge between the chemical inventory of disks and the properties of exoplanets.<\/p>\n
Image A: Artist\u2019s Concept of Protoplanetary Disk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webb-stsci-01hz2nk29nfz7h63hmz8446jm3-2k.jpg?w=2000\")
<\/a><\/figure>\nThis is an artist\u2019s impression of a young star surrounded by a disk of gas and dust. An international team of astronomers has used NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to study the disk around a young and very low-mass star known as ISO-ChaI 147. The results reveal the richest hydrocarbon chemistry seen to date in a protoplanetary disk.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u201cWebb has better sensitivity and spectral resolution than previous infrared space telescopes,\u201d explained lead author Aditya Arabhavi of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. \u201cThese observations are not possible from Earth, because the emissions from the disk are blocked by our atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a new study, this team explored the region around a very low-mass star known as ISO-ChaI 147, a 1 to 2 million-year-old star that weighs just 0.11 times as much as the Sun. The spectrum revealed by Webb\u2019s MIRI shows the richest hydrocarbon chemistry seen to date in a protoplanetary disk \u2013 a total of 13 different carbon-bearing molecules. The team\u2019s findings include the first detection of ethane (C2<\/sub>H6<\/sub>) outside of our solar system, as well as ethylene (C2<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), propyne (C3<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), and the methyl radical CH3<\/sub>.<\/p>\n\u201cThese molecules have already been detected in our solar system, like in comets such as 67P\/Churyumov\u2013Gerasimenko and C\/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy),\u201d added Arabhavi. \u201cWebb allowed us to understand that these hydrocarbon molecules are not just diverse but also abundant. It is amazing that we can now see the dance of these molecules in the planetary cradles. It is a very different planet-forming environment than we usually think of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Image B: Protoplanetary disk of ISO-ChaI 147 (MIRI emission spectrum)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webb-stsci-01hz5ecg3ghfr731gk0jqnwtqs-2k.jpg?w=2000\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe team indicates that these results have large implications for the chemistry of the inner disk and the planets that might form there. Since Webb revealed the gas in the disk is so rich in carbon, there is likely little carbon left in the solid materials that planets would form from. As a result, the planets that might form there may ultimately be carbon-poor. (Earth itself is considered carbon-poor.)<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is profoundly different from the composition we see in disks around solar-type stars, where oxygen bearing molecules like water and carbon dioxide dominate,\u201d added team member Inga Kamp, also of the University of Groningen. \u201cThis object establishes that these are a unique class of objects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredible that we can detect and quantify the amount of molecules that we know well on Earth, such as benzene, in an object that is more than 600 light-years away,\u201d added team member Agn\u00e9s Perrin of Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France.<\/p>\n
Next, the science team intends to expand their study to a larger sample of such disks around very low-mass stars to develop their understanding of how common or exotic such carbon-rich terrestrial planet-forming regions are. \u201cThe expansion of our study will also allow us to better understand how these molecules can form,\u201d explained team member and principal investigator of the MINDS program, Thomas Henning, of the Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy in Germany. \u201cSeveral features in the Webb data are also still unidentified, so more spectroscopy is required to fully interpret our observations.\u201d<\/p>\n
This work also highlights the crucial need for scientists to collaborate across disciplines. The team notes that these results and the accompanying data can contribute towards other fields including theoretical physics, chemistry, and astrochemistry, to interpret the spectra and to investigate new features in this wavelength range.<\/p>\n
The James Webb Space Telescope is the world\u2019s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).<\/em><\/p>\nDownloads<\/h2>\n
Right click any image to save it or open a larger version<\/strong> in a new tab\/window via the browser\u2019s popup menu.<\/p>\nView\/Download full resolution images for this article<\/a><\/strong> from the Space Telescope Science Institute.<\/p>\nMedia Contacts<\/h2>\n
Laura\u00a0Betz<\/strong> \u2013 laura.e.betz@nasa.gov<\/a>, Rob Gutro<\/strong> \u2013 rob.gutro@nasa.gov<\/a>
NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a>, Greenbelt, Md.<\/p>\nChristine Pulliam<\/strong> \u2013 cpulliam@stsci.edu<\/a>
Space Telescope Science Institute<\/a>, Baltimore, Md.<\/p>\nRelated Information<\/h2>\n
Infographic<\/strong>: Destiny of Dust<\/a><\/p>\nInfographic<\/strong>: Recipe for Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\nAnimation<\/strong>: Exploring Star and Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\nVideo<\/strong>: Scientists\u2019 Perspective: Science Snippets<\/a><\/p>\nMore Webb News<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/latestnews\/<\/p>\nMore Webb Images<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/multimedia\/images\/<\/p>\nWebb Mission Page<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/<\/p>\nRelated For Kids<\/h2>\n
What is the Webb Telescope?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSpacePlace for Kids<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEn Espa\u00f1ol<\/h2>\n
Ciencia de la NASA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nNASA en espa\u00f1ol\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSpace Place\u00a0para ni\u00f1os<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nRelated Topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nAn international team of astronomers has used NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to study the disk of gas and dust around a young, very low-mass star. The results reveal the largest number of carbon-containing molecules seen to date in such a disk. These findings have implications for the potential composition of any planets that might form around this star.<\/p>\n
Rocky planets are more likely than gas giants to form around low-mass stars, making them the most common planets around the most common stars in our galaxy. Little is known about the chemistry of such worlds, which may be similar to or very different from Earth. By studying the disks from which such planets form, astronomers hope to better understand the planet formation process and the compositions of the resulting planets.<\/p>\n
Planet-forming disks around very low-mass stars are difficult to study because they are smaller and fainter than disks around high-mass stars. A program called the MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) Mid-INfrared Disk Survey (MINDS) aims to use Webb\u2019s unique capabilities to build a bridge between the chemical inventory of disks and the properties of exoplanets.<\/p>\n
Image A: Artist\u2019s Concept of Protoplanetary Disk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\nThis is an artist\u2019s impression of a young star surrounded by a disk of gas and dust. An international team of astronomers has used NASA\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope to study the disk around a young and very low-mass star known as ISO-ChaI 147. The results reveal the richest hydrocarbon chemistry seen to date in a protoplanetary disk.<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u201cWebb has better sensitivity and spectral resolution than previous infrared space telescopes,\u201d explained lead author Aditya Arabhavi of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. \u201cThese observations are not possible from Earth, because the emissions from the disk are blocked by our atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a new study, this team explored the region around a very low-mass star known as ISO-ChaI 147, a 1 to 2 million-year-old star that weighs just 0.11 times as much as the Sun. The spectrum revealed by Webb\u2019s MIRI shows the richest hydrocarbon chemistry seen to date in a protoplanetary disk \u2013 a total of 13 different carbon-bearing molecules. The team\u2019s findings include the first detection of ethane (C2<\/sub>H6<\/sub>) outside of our solar system, as well as ethylene (C2<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), propyne (C3<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), and the methyl radical CH3<\/sub>.<\/p>\n\u201cThese molecules have already been detected in our solar system, like in comets such as 67P\/Churyumov\u2013Gerasimenko and C\/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy),\u201d added Arabhavi. \u201cWebb allowed us to understand that these hydrocarbon molecules are not just diverse but also abundant. It is amazing that we can now see the dance of these molecules in the planetary cradles. It is a very different planet-forming environment than we usually think of.\u201d<\/p>\n
Image B: Protoplanetary disk of ISO-ChaI 147 (MIRI emission spectrum)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe team indicates that these results have large implications for the chemistry of the inner disk and the planets that might form there. Since Webb revealed the gas in the disk is so rich in carbon, there is likely little carbon left in the solid materials that planets would form from. As a result, the planets that might form there may ultimately be carbon-poor. (Earth itself is considered carbon-poor.)<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is profoundly different from the composition we see in disks around solar-type stars, where oxygen bearing molecules like water and carbon dioxide dominate,\u201d added team member Inga Kamp, also of the University of Groningen. \u201cThis object establishes that these are a unique class of objects.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredible that we can detect and quantify the amount of molecules that we know well on Earth, such as benzene, in an object that is more than 600 light-years away,\u201d added team member Agn\u00e9s Perrin of Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France.<\/p>\n
Next, the science team intends to expand their study to a larger sample of such disks around very low-mass stars to develop their understanding of how common or exotic such carbon-rich terrestrial planet-forming regions are. \u201cThe expansion of our study will also allow us to better understand how these molecules can form,\u201d explained team member and principal investigator of the MINDS program, Thomas Henning, of the Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy in Germany. \u201cSeveral features in the Webb data are also still unidentified, so more spectroscopy is required to fully interpret our observations.\u201d<\/p>\n
This work also highlights the crucial need for scientists to collaborate across disciplines. The team notes that these results and the accompanying data can contribute towards other fields including theoretical physics, chemistry, and astrochemistry, to interpret the spectra and to investigate new features in this wavelength range.<\/p>\n
The James Webb Space Telescope is the world\u2019s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).<\/em><\/p>\nDownloads<\/h2>\n
Right click any image to save it or open a larger version<\/strong> in a new tab\/window via the browser\u2019s popup menu.<\/p>\nView\/Download full resolution images for this article<\/a><\/strong> from the Space Telescope Science Institute.<\/p>\nMedia Contacts<\/h2>\n
Laura\u00a0Betz<\/strong> \u2013 laura.e.betz@nasa.gov<\/a>, Rob Gutro<\/strong> \u2013 rob.gutro@nasa.gov<\/a>
NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a>, Greenbelt, Md.<\/p>\nChristine Pulliam<\/strong> \u2013 cpulliam@stsci.edu<\/a>
Space Telescope Science Institute<\/a>, Baltimore, Md.<\/p>\nRelated Information<\/h2>\n
Infographic<\/strong>: Destiny of Dust<\/a><\/p>\nInfographic<\/strong>: Recipe for Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\nAnimation<\/strong>: Exploring Star and Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\nVideo<\/strong>: Scientists\u2019 Perspective: Science Snippets<\/a><\/p>\nMore Webb News<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/latestnews\/<\/p>\nMore Webb Images<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/multimedia\/images\/<\/p>\nWebb Mission Page<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/<\/p>\nRelated For Kids<\/h2>\n
What is the Webb Telescope?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSpacePlace for Kids<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nEn Espa\u00f1ol<\/h2>\n
Ciencia de la NASA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nNASA en espa\u00f1ol\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nSpace Place\u00a0para ni\u00f1os<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nKeep Exploring<\/div>\nRelated Topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/webb-stsci-01hz2nk29nfz7h63hmz8446jm3-2k.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\u201cWebb has better sensitivity and spectral resolution than previous infrared space telescopes,\u201d explained lead author Aditya Arabhavi of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. \u201cThese observations are not possible from Earth, because the emissions from the disk are blocked by our atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a new study, this team explored the region around a very low-mass star known as ISO-ChaI 147, a 1 to 2 million-year-old star that weighs just 0.11 times as much as the Sun. The spectrum revealed by Webb\u2019s MIRI shows the richest hydrocarbon chemistry seen to date in a protoplanetary disk \u2013 a total of 13 different carbon-bearing molecules. The team\u2019s findings include the first detection of ethane (C2<\/sub>H6<\/sub>) outside of our solar system, as well as ethylene (C2<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), propyne (C3<\/sub>H4<\/sub>), and the methyl radical CH3<\/sub>.<\/p>\n \u201cThese molecules have already been detected in our solar system, like in comets such as 67P\/Churyumov\u2013Gerasimenko and C\/2014 Q2 (Lovejoy),\u201d added Arabhavi. \u201cWebb allowed us to understand that these hydrocarbon molecules are not just diverse but also abundant. It is amazing that we can now see the dance of these molecules in the planetary cradles. It is a very different planet-forming environment than we usually think of.\u201d<\/p>\n The team indicates that these results have large implications for the chemistry of the inner disk and the planets that might form there. Since Webb revealed the gas in the disk is so rich in carbon, there is likely little carbon left in the solid materials that planets would form from. As a result, the planets that might form there may ultimately be carbon-poor. (Earth itself is considered carbon-poor.)<\/p>\n \u201cThis is profoundly different from the composition we see in disks around solar-type stars, where oxygen bearing molecules like water and carbon dioxide dominate,\u201d added team member Inga Kamp, also of the University of Groningen. \u201cThis object establishes that these are a unique class of objects.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s incredible that we can detect and quantify the amount of molecules that we know well on Earth, such as benzene, in an object that is more than 600 light-years away,\u201d added team member Agn\u00e9s Perrin of Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in France.<\/p>\n Next, the science team intends to expand their study to a larger sample of such disks around very low-mass stars to develop their understanding of how common or exotic such carbon-rich terrestrial planet-forming regions are. \u201cThe expansion of our study will also allow us to better understand how these molecules can form,\u201d explained team member and principal investigator of the MINDS program, Thomas Henning, of the Max-Planck-Institute for Astronomy in Germany. \u201cSeveral features in the Webb data are also still unidentified, so more spectroscopy is required to fully interpret our observations.\u201d<\/p>\n This work also highlights the crucial need for scientists to collaborate across disciplines. The team notes that these results and the accompanying data can contribute towards other fields including theoretical physics, chemistry, and astrochemistry, to interpret the spectra and to investigate new features in this wavelength range.<\/p>\n The James Webb Space Telescope is the world\u2019s premier space science observatory. Webb is solving mysteries in our solar system, looking beyond to distant worlds around other stars, and probing the mysterious structures and origins of our universe and our place in it. Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space Agency) and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).<\/em><\/p>\n Right click any image to save it or open a larger version<\/strong> in a new tab\/window via the browser\u2019s popup menu.<\/p>\n View\/Download full resolution images for this article<\/a><\/strong> from the Space Telescope Science Institute.<\/p>\n Laura\u00a0Betz<\/strong> \u2013 laura.e.betz@nasa.gov<\/a>, Rob Gutro<\/strong> \u2013 rob.gutro@nasa.gov<\/a> Christine Pulliam<\/strong> \u2013 cpulliam@stsci.edu<\/a> Infographic<\/strong>: Destiny of Dust<\/a><\/p>\n Infographic<\/strong>: Recipe for Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\n Animation<\/strong>: Exploring Star and Planet Formation<\/a><\/p>\n Video<\/strong>: Scientists\u2019 Perspective: Science Snippets<\/a><\/p>\n More Webb News<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/latestnews\/<\/p>\n More Webb Images<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/multimedia\/images\/<\/p>\n Webb Mission Page<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/webb\/<\/p>\n What is the Webb Telescope?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n SpacePlace for Kids<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Ciencia de la NASA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n NASA en espa\u00f1ol\u00a0<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Space Place\u00a0para ni\u00f1os<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nImage B: Protoplanetary disk of ISO-ChaI 147 (MIRI emission spectrum)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nDownloads<\/h2>\n
Media Contacts<\/h2>\n
NASA\u2019s Goddard Space Flight Center<\/a>, Greenbelt, Md.<\/p>\n
Space Telescope Science Institute<\/a>, Baltimore, Md.<\/p>\nRelated Information<\/h2>\n
Related For Kids<\/h2>\n
En Espa\u00f1ol<\/h2>\n
Related Topics<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n