James Webb Space Telescope Unveils Rich Organic Molecules in Distant Galaxy, Indicating Complex Chemistry
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery in the ultra-luminous infrared galaxy IRAS 07251-0248, revealing an exceptionally rich inventory of small organic molecules. These include benzene, methane, acetylene, diacetylene, and triacetylene, with the methyl radical being detected for the first time outside the Milky Way. The study, led by Dr. Ismael García Bernete, highlights the presence of both gas-phase molecules and solid molecular materials such as carbonaceous grains and water ices. The findings suggest a continuous source of carbon in the galactic nuclei, fueling a complex chemical network. This discovery is significant as these molecules could serve as fundamental building blocks for complex organic chemistry, potentially playing a role in prebiotic processes relevant to life.