A recent scientific finding has rewritten part of what we knew about the origin of our planet. The new observations, led by a team of astronomers, open an unexpected door to the mysteries of the cosmos. This is a revelation that, according to experts, could forever change our understanding of how Earth and other rocky worlds are formed.
This discovery, confirmed with data from the James Webb Space Telescope, represents a turning point in modern astrophysics. According to its authors, we had never had such a clear view of the essential ingredients that make up planets. Thanks to a detailed analysis, scientists have managed to observe for the first time how complex molecular structures are created in extremely distant regions of space.
A nebula reveals clues about planetary origin
Specifically, the finding focuses on the Butterfly Nebula (NGC 6302), located about 11,155 light-years (3,400 años luz) away in the constellation of Scorpius. This celestial object, studied for decades, has revealed an unexpected material complexity. The most relevant aspect is the presence of crystalline cosmic dust and carbon compounds, which are key to understanding the formation of planets like Earth.
The researchers have detected in the core of this nebula materials such as crystalline silicates (including quartz) and a family of molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are important because on Earth they are associated with organic processes, such as those that gave rise to life. Their appearance in an oxygen-rich nebula has broken previous paradigms.
What makes this discovery so revolutionary is the confirmation that these molecules can form even in extremely hostile environments. According to Mikako Matsuura, director of the study, this means that the cosmic dust that forms planets is more diverse than previously thought. "We were able to observe both cold gems formed in calm, long-lasting regions and burning grime created in violent, fast-moving parts of space," she stated.
The stellar "engine" that shapes cosmic dust
The central star of the Butterfly Nebula reaches temperatures above 392,000 °F (200,000 ºC). This intense heat is responsible for altering the surrounding dust and forming what astronomers call a "torus," a kind of dense ring that channels energy. There, scientists have observed microscopic crystals of astonishing complexity.
As the data were analyzed in depth, scientists also noticed a kind of layered structure around the torus. The most energetic atoms were closer to the center, while the less energetic ones were farther away. This pattern suggests that the stellar environment directly influences how and where the components of planetary dust are formed.
Organic molecules in an unexpected place
The PAHs detected, which on Earth are related to combustion products such as smoke or traffic gases, were formed here by the effect of stellar winds. This occurs when a bubble of gas pushed by the central star collides with its surroundings, generating these carbon-rich molecules. What is striking is that this process had seemed impossible until now in oxygen-rich nebulae.
The results, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, have attracted the attention of astronomers, since, although the phenomenon occurs very far away, it may have important consequences. If the basic components for forming planets can arise in more places than we thought, it is likely that there are more planets similar to Earth than we believed.
This discovery not only transforms what we know about the cosmos, but also forces us to rethink our theories about the origin of the solar system. For this reason, scientists agree that we are facing a crucial moment for planetary science.