Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have discovered water ice in a massive protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star system, 114–426, located in the Orion Nebula.

This breakthrough sheds light on how planets and essential materials like water may form in such systems.

The disk, more than 1,000 times the size of the Earth-Sun distance, is viewed edge-on from Earth, making its structure easier to study.

Its dark central band blocks the light from the young star it surrounds, while light scattered from the disk's material forms bright lobes. The outer edges of the disk are visible in silhouette against the glowing background of the Orion Nebula, creating ideal conditions to study the makeup of the disk.

The research team detected a key signature of water ice at a wavelength of 3 microns, a telltale sign of frozen water coating dust grains within the disk.

Water ice is considered essential for planet formation, as it helps dust particles stick together, forming larger bodies like pebbles, which are the building blocks of planets.

This discovery offers rare insights into the role of water ice in the early stages of planetary development.

The edge-on orientation of 114–426 and its position against the bright Orion Nebula allowed astronomers to observe water ice in absorption and scattered light, providing a clearer picture of its distribution within the disk.

Water is not only crucial for planet formation but also a key ingredient for life as we know it. Understanding how and where water exists in protoplanetary disks can help scientists trace the origins of water in our own solar system and other planetary systems.

The JWST’s ability to observe such fine details marks another milestone in its mission to unravel the mysteries of the universe. By studying systems like 114–426, scientists hope to unlock the secrets of planet formation and the factors that make planets potentially habitable.

Source: India Today