James Webb Telescope Discovers Earth-like Planet Formation Possible in Extreme Environments

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have found water and organic molecules in a planet-forming disk around a young star, suggesting Earth-like planets can form in harsh stellar conditions.

Astronomers discovered water and organic molecules in a planet-forming disk around a young star in an extreme environment, indicating Earth-like planets could form under harsh conditions.
The discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope, marking the first time such detailed observations have been possible in extreme star-forming environments.
The planet-forming disk, known as XUE-1, is exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation from nearby massive stars, yet still contains essential ingredients for life.
Observations of another protoplanetary disk around the young star HL Tau by ALMA revealed a large amount of water vapor, further supporting the potential for Earth-like planet formation.
These findings challenge previous assumptions that Earth-like planets could only form in less intense star-forming regions, expanding the potential habitability zones in the universe.