James Webb Telescope Detects Methanol and Ethanol Near Young Stars, Hinting at Life’s Origins

In the recent research done by using the James Webb Telescope, in March 2024, scientists found that ethanol and other icy organic compounds near protostars IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385. The findings were published in the JOYS+ program. It can offer insights into the cosmic chemistry that can help in knowing the formation of the planet and the potential for life on it. This also suggests how the building blocks in life can travel in space. The scientists observed alcohol in the orbit of a young star, adding to the understanding of life on Earth.

Methanol and Its Isotopes Detected Around Star HD 100453

As per the recent study conducted by NASA's JWST, Methanol and its isotopes have been found in gases around the star called HD 100453. It is about 330 light years away from our planet. It has been observed for the first time that scientists have found isotopes of methanol in the shape of a disk. This was reported on June 5, 2025, in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Methanol: A Building Block of Life

Methanol acts as a building block for organic compounds like amino acids, which are essential for life. Researchers had found that methanol, but not the rare isotopes, is star-forming structures. These isotopes of methanol give a valuable insight into the ingredients needed for building life on Earth.

HD 100453: A Star Bigger Than the Sun

HD 100453 is larger than the Sun, with more than 1.6 times the mass of the Sun. This signals that methanol and other molecules in the disk exist as gas and farther from the home star, which could be the case when the solar system was quite young. The smaller stars consist of cooler disks, and the molecules are frozen and undetectable.

Link Between Methanol and Comet Chemistry

The researchers found that the ratio of methanol to other organic molecules is similar to that of the comets in the solar system. The findings signal that the ices near the protoplanetary disks clump to form comets filled with organic molecules, which are the result of collisions. This research gives the idea that comets may have played a major role in offering important organic material to the Earth billions of years ago.