Briefing: Dry ice detected in a planetary nebula for the first time

Astronomers have utilized the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe the planetary nebula NGC 6302, resulting in the first detection of dry ice in such an environment.

This observation highlights the JWST's advanced instrumentation and its potential for uncovering complex chemical compositions in astronomical bodies.

The findings were published on February 25, 2026, in a pre-print paper, underscoring the ongoing contributions of the JWST to our understanding of nebular chemistry and structure.