'Frozen world beyond our Solar System': NASA's James Webb spots water in distant star-forming disk

The disk, named 114-426, lies in the Orion Nebula. (Representative Image: Canva)

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has uncovered frozen water within a distant protoplanetary disk, marking a significant stride in space exploration. This remarkable find offers insights into the origins of water and potential planetary systems beyond our Solar System.

The disk, named 114-426, lies in the Orion Nebula. Located 1,300 light-years from Earth, this nebula is a renowned star-forming region. The protoplanetary disk, spanning over 1,000 astronomical units, is thought to be a cradle for planet formation.

JWST finds water-ice in the protoplanetary disk 114426 in Orion.https://t.co/BQc1ikRY7Kpic.twitter.com/PE0tM7oUJR

Jwst Feed (@WebbFeed) December 6, 2024

Using its cutting-edge Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), JWST detected water ice on the disk's dust grains. These observations, conducted at a wavelength of 3 micrometres, highlight the telescope’s ability to study distant, cold environments.

The disk's edge-on orientation blocks light from its central star. This creates a silhouette against the Orion Nebula's glowing background. Light scattered by the disk’s material forms bright lobes, revealing its icy contents.

The presence of frozen water suggests conditions favourable for forming planets. Water is essential for life and might support the development of habitable environments. Alongside water, JWST also detected volatile compounds such as methane and carbon dioxide.

Astronomers are intrigued by this disk’s composition and structure. The findings highlight the potential for organic molecules to emerge in these environments.

This discovery deepens understanding of how water may have reached planets, including Earth. As JWST continues its observations, scientists expect more clues about the building blocks of life and planetary systems.