In a recent announcement, NASA unveiled a newfound “treasure” discovered by its own developed and operated super space telescope, the James Webb. It is the methyl cation (CH3+), located 1,350 light-years away in the Orion Nebula.
Orion Nebula and an enlarged image revealing signs of upcoming life – Photo: NASA/ESA/CSA
The Orion Nebula is one of the most stunning objects visible to the naked eye from Earth. It also serves as a rare star nursery, revealing remarkable clarity under the “watchful eye” of telescopes.
Meanwhile, CH3+ is one of the potential signs of life that scientists have long sought after. Carbon compounds form the foundation of all forms of life, making the presence of this carbon molecular ion particularly significant, as noted in a study by Sci-News.
CH3+ exhibits a unique characteristic of versatile reactions with other small molecules to form complex organic compounds in the interstellar medium.
“The discovery of CH3+ not only confirms the remarkable sensitivity of James Webb but also underscores the importance of CH3+ in interstellar space,” said Marie-Aline Martin, a researcher from the University of Paris-Saclay (France) and a member of the research team.
Similar to the proven hypotheses, Earth and other potentially habitable planets also formed in environments with such wandering organic molecules.
This implies that the Orion Nebula holds the potential to give birth to life-supporting planets. The ultraviolet radiation from red dwarf stars may have stimulated the formation of CH3+. Complex chemical molecules derived from it could be seeded into newly forming planets.
And if primitive life successfully battles the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, it may come into existence and develop, much like Earth.
This discovery provides valuable insights into the conditions necessary for the emergence of life on our planet.
To search for the world that possesses this marvel, try locating the Orion constellation on moonless nights with clear weather. With its distinctive structure, the Orion Nebula will softly glow when observed with the naked eye.