James Webb Detects Carbon Molecule In Space For The First Time. Know Why It's Important

Methyl cation was detected in a young star system, with a protoplanetary disk, known as d203-506 in the Orion Nebula.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a key life-building block carbon molecule in space for the first time. The team of researchers found this compound in the Orion Nebula about 1,350 light-years away.  Here's a closer look (bottom right) at the star system where methyl cation was found. Its planet-forming disk was bombarded with UV radiation from nearby young stars, radiation typically expected to destroy complex carbon molecules. pic.twitter.com/QTndeJw1Ye

According to a news release from NASA, these carbon compounds are known as methyl cation (pronounced cat-eye-on) (CH3+), the molecule is important because it aids the formation of more complex carbon-based molecules. 

Methyl cation was detected in a young star system, with a protoplanetary disk, known as d203-506- located about 1,350 light-years away in the Orion Nebula.