James Webb Telescope looks back in time, finds oldest organic molecules ever seen
[ad_1]
A groundbreaking study led by astronomers from Texas A&M University using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has unveiled the existence of the oldest known complex organic molecules in the universe. These carbon-based chemicals, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were found within an early galaxy that formed when the universe was only 10% of its current age.Unlike simple compounds such as water or carbon dioxide, the identified molecules are large and intricate, containing dozens or even hundreds of atoms. Similar to the ones found in smoke, soot, oil, coal deposits, and smog on Earth, these PAHs are commonly associated with tiny dust grains in space. The study's lead author, Justin Spilker, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the discovery demonstrates ...