American scientists using Webb’s NIRSpec instrument found that there is water vapor around Comet Read.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope photographed water vapor around a comet in the main asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. Experts called this discovery “a long-awaited scientific breakthrough” in the study of the origin of water on Earth. This was reported by NASA.
Using Webb’s NIRSpec (near infrared spectrograph), astronomers confirmed for the first time the presence of water vapor around comet 238P/Read in the main asteroid belt.
Now, however, a new mystery has emerged: the comet has no visible carbon dioxide.
Comet Read is an object located in the main asteroid belt. Before this discovery, it was believed that comets could store ice further away from the Sun. However, scientists have long speculated that water ice could be stored in a hotter asteroid belt within Jupiter’s orbit, but there was no evidence at the time.
“In the past, we have seen objects in the main belt with all the characteristics of comets, but with these precise Webb spectral data we can say that it is precisely water ice that creates this effect,” said the study’s lead author, astronomer Michael Kelly from the University of Maryland.
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As we wrote earlier, NASA plans to land astronauts on the moon at the end of 2025 or 2026.
Source: korrespondent
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.