New research that used data from JWST shows that crucial building blocks of planets and stars could form much earlier in the life cycle of galaxies than previously thought.
An international team of astronomers has for the first time detected the presence of carbon-rich dust grains in the first billion years of the Universe.
These small diamond-like particles found between the stars are integral to the formation and evolution of galaxies such as the Milky Way.
The team is supported in part by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
