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James Webb Detects Unique Organic Molecules in Space Ices

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope detected large complex organic molecules in ices around the protostar ST6 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, about 160,000 light-years away.
The ices contain five carbon-based compounds, including methanol and acetic acid, the latter being the first of its kind found in space ice.
The report, published October 20, 2025, suggests complex chemistry can occur in low-metallicity environments.

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Story summary

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope detected large complex organic molecules in ices around the protostar ST6 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, about 160,000 light-years away.
The ices contain five carbon-based compounds, including methanol and acetic acid, the latter being the first of its kind found in space ice.
The report, published October 20, 2025, suggests complex chemistry can occur in low-metallicity environments.