Mysterious molecule ties Pluto and Titan, scientists say they can’t identify it yet
James Webb Space Telescope observations reveal an identical, unexplained infrared absorption feature on Titan and Pluto, suggesting a shared surface chemistry. The signal doesn’t match known spectra and may belong to a hydrocarbon family (potentially allenes) formed in atmospheric photochemistry and deposited on the surfaces. Pluto’s thin atmosphere argues against an atmospheric origin, while Titan’s surface and atmospheric processing are implicated. Ongoing JWST analyses, Titan surface mapping, and the Dragonfly mission could help pinpoint the mystery molecule.