Exploration of Interstellar Ice with JWST and the Origin of Life

Abstract

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), equipped with the Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), offers a unique opportunity to investigate interstellar ice, which is composed of mixtures of water and various volatile molecules, such as methane, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and others. Interstellar ice serves as a crucial reservoir for organic compounds, including prebiotic building blocks. With its advanced spectrometers, the JWST enables detailed observations, identification of molecular signatures, and a deeper understanding of the formation and diversity of interstellar ice. These investigations contribute to astrobiology research and the quest to unravel the origins of life. The JWST’s NIRSpec and MIRI provide essential capabilities for advancing astrochemistry and our comprehension of cosmic origins.