The JWST reveals the molecular origins of planetary systems

The James Webb Space Telescope is transforming our understanding of cosmic chemistry, tracing the molecular journey from interstellar clouds to planet formation and revealing extraordinary worlds along the way. Its infrared vision has uncovered complex organics in protostar ices, rich chemical diversity in distant galaxies and atmospheric fingerprints on exoplanets – including hints of potential biosignatures. These discoveries are reshaping theories of how planets form, what makes them habitable, and the chemical resources available across different star systems, while JWST’s unprecedented sensitivity continues to deliver surprises from rogue planets to carbon-rich disks around low-mass stars.