Hydrocarbon molecules in space

In summary, the astronomers found two hydrocarbon molecules in a nebula 1000 light years from Earth. They are made of linked rings of carbon atoms and belong to a class of molecules called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Maybe is true after all that we are all "sons of the stars."
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meteor
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http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994552
The World's No.1 Science & Technology News Service

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).


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?
 
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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?
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.

It may a little premature to say that observations of simple organic molecules in space is strong evidence 'that life is spread throughout the cosmos' - there's still the small question of showing how small organic molecules in space become living things. [b(]
 
  • #3
That is interesting though...
 

1. What are hydrocarbon molecules and how are they formed in space?

Hydrocarbon molecules are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are formed in space through a process called photochemistry, which involves the interaction of ultraviolet light from stars with carbon-containing molecules such as methane and ethane.

2. Why are hydrocarbon molecules important in understanding the origins of life?

Hydrocarbon molecules are important in understanding the origins of life because they are the building blocks of many essential biomolecules, such as amino acids and nucleic acids. They are also found in comets and meteorites, which may have brought them to Earth and played a role in the development of life.

3. How do scientists detect hydrocarbon molecules in space?

Scientists detect hydrocarbon molecules in space using telescopes and spectrometers. These instruments can measure the specific wavelengths of light that are emitted or absorbed by different types of molecules, allowing scientists to identify and study hydrocarbons in space.

4. What is the significance of finding hydrocarbon molecules in the interstellar medium?

The interstellar medium is the space between stars, and finding hydrocarbon molecules in this environment provides insights into the chemical processes that occur in the universe. It also suggests that the conditions for life may be more common in the universe than previously thought.

5. Could hydrocarbon molecules in space be used as a source of energy?

While hydrocarbon molecules in space may not be directly usable as a source of energy, studying their formation and distribution can inform our understanding of how energy is produced and utilized in the universe. Additionally, hydrocarbons found in space may serve as potential resources for future space exploration and colonization.

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