Scientists discover mystery molecule on Pluto and Saturn's moon Titan: 'We cannot say what it is'
Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have identified an identical, unexplained infrared signature on both Pluto and Saturn's moon Titan. The nature of this mystery molecule remains unknown despite the vastly different environments of the two worlds.
Why it matters
The discovery suggests that similar chemical processes may be occurring in disparate parts of the solar system, challenging current planetary science models.
James Webb Space Telescope Scientists discover mystery molecule on Pluto and Saturn's moon Titan: 'We cannot say what it is' News By Sharmila Kuthunur Published 20 July 2026 "It's always exciting when you discover something that was not seen before. It's really the nicest part of our job."
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Click for next article NASA's Cassini spacecraft took this image looking down on the north pole of Saturn's moon Titan. (Image credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Separated by billions of miles and shaped by very different environments, Saturn's smoggy moon Titan and the dwarf planet Pluto have, on paper, little in common.
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