The James Webb Space Telescope detected a key carbon molecule in space for the first time ever. The methyl cation, or CH3 + , molecule was found in a young star system in the Orion Nebula. Scientists have theorized that methyl cation could lay the foundations for organic chemistry, and possibly life, across the universe. "We can only now prove its existence thanks to the awesome capabilities of the James Webb telescope. Webb's sensitivity to light helps it detect new moleculesAn artist's impression of the James Webb Space Telescope.

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Persons: James Webb, —, Eric Teske, — Webb, Els Peeters, Webb, Marie, Aline Martin, wouldn't, Olivier Berné Organizations: Orion, Service, Western University, James Webb Space Telescope, NASA, Hubble, University of Paris, ESA, CSA, French National Centre for Scientific Research Locations: Toulouse