For the past few years, scientists have proposed this strange theory that water on the ground In fact, it did not originate from our planet, and the first waters may have been created by a sequenceThehave brought to our planet. Astronomers have been looking for comets commonly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter to confirm this theory, and now new space telescope research James Webb has identified a clue to this age-old mystery.
With the help of James Webb’s infrared spectrometer, the researchers investigated the composition of a comet in the asteroid belt. for the first time evidence of Steam They have found around one of the comets of this region. The mentioned phenomenon has been observed around the comet 238P/Read, which strengthens the theory of origin of water on earth by such comets.
While many comets are located in more distant places like the Oort Cloud, which is far from the Sun and ice survives much easier in this region of space, this particular comet was spotted in the main asteroid belt.
This helps astronomers understand how the first samples of water might have reached Earth. “Stephanie Milam”, one of the researchers of this project, explains in a statement:
“Our underwater world is something of a mystery, and we’re not sure how all that water got here. “Understanding the dispersal history of water in the Solar System will help us better identify other planetary systems and whether they could host an Earth-like planet.”
A strange new discovery by James Webb
However, there is something strange about this comet. While James Webb confirmed the presence of water vapor in his observations, no carbon dioxide was detected. Comets usually carry about 10% carbon dioxide, which is why it is strange for scientists not to find it.
Regarding this point, it has been said that this comet may have formed in an unusually hot region where carbon dioxide was not present. Or the trace carbon dioxide may have been lost over time.
Now the researchers plan to study more comets from the asteroid belt with the help of James Webb’s powerful instruments to get more information.
