The University of Western Ontario
The Formation of Crystalline Silicate Dust -- Testbed Observations of post-AGB Stars with JWST — This project will use JWST/MIRI to study six nebulae that are transiforming into perfect crystals and analyze organic molecules called PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) that reveal the environmental conditions in these stellar nebulae. By comparing the location of the crystals with the PAH-measured conditions, we can finally determine how cosmic crystals form, improving our understanding of planetary formation building blocks.