The discovery of anthracene and pyrene, two complex hydrocarbon molecules found in the Red Rectangle nebula, provides significant insights into the organic origins of life. These molecules, containing 24 and 26 atoms respectively, are classified as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and were presented at the American Astronomical Society meeting. Their existence supports the hypothesis that life's building blocks may be widespread in the cosmos, originating from rare types of stars.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, astrobiologists, chemists, and anyone interested in the origins of life and the role of organic molecules in the universe.
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Space molecules point to organic origins
17:16 09 January 04
NewScientist.com news service
The most complex molecules yet found in space have shown astronomers how such organic matter is created. The evidence points to a rare type of star as the origin for life's building blocks.
Two hydrocarbon molecules called anthracene and pyrene occur in a nebula called the Red Rectangle, 1000 light years from Earth, according to results presented at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.
The two molecules contain 24 and 26 atoms respectively, making them about twice the size of the previous record holder, a molecular chain of 13 atoms. They are made of linked rings of carbon atoms, and belong to a class of molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
It's certain that you and I - and Monique, and all of us - are composed largely of 'star-stuff'! Apart from the hydrogen in our bodies (most of which probably didn't pass through a star between its birth - when the universe was less than a second old - and the formation of the Earth), almost every atom of every other element was created hearts of stars.meteor wrote: Maybe is true after all that we are all "sons of the stars" This is a strong evidence that life is spread throughout the cosmos, don't you think?