Water discovered around comet in asteroid belt by James Webb telescope.
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected water vapor around a comet in the main asteroid belt, a first for scientists. The discovery has raised questions about why the comet, known as Read, lacks carbon dioxide, which typically makes up 10% of vaporized material in comets. Further observations are needed to determine if Read's lack of CO2 is unique or shared by other main belt comets. A sample collection mission could provide more information about comets in this region.