Webb finds the first conclusive evidence to explain a mind-puzzling mystery

Astronomers have found crystalline silicates in comets. Ultracold regions like the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud are home to these comets. But crystalline silicates require intense heat to form. So how come these particles are found in comets? This Webb observation has provided evidence to explain that.

For this study, the team of researchers used Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) to observe a protostar (newly-forming star) cataloged EC 53. They discovered that crystalline silicates formed in the hot inner part of the disk of gas and dust surrounding the star (protoplanetary disk).

From observations, the star undergoes a 100-day bombastic burst phase. During this time, the young star devours surrounding gas and dust and throws out powerful jets and outflows. Webb observed that these outflows are powerful enough to fling out the formed crystalline silicates to the edge of the star’s protoplanetary disk. In comparison with our own solar system, that edge is where comets are mainly found.

This observation provides evidence as to why astronomers find heat-formed crystalline silicates in comets that are supposed to be icy snowballs. The study was published in the journal Nature on January 21.