Astronomers detect sugar molecules in interstellar space for first time
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Astronomers have detected molecules of real sugar in interstellar space for the first time. The discovery was made using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. The finding suggests that complex organic compounds can form in space, potentially seeding life on planets.
The Discovery
Using ALMA, an international team of astronomers identified glycolaldehyde, a simple sugar, in a star-forming region called G31.41+0.31, located about 26,000 light-years from Earth. This is the first detection of a sugar molecule in interstellar space, confirming that such compounds can exist in the harsh conditions of space.
Implications for Astrobiology
Glycolaldehyde can react to form ribose, a key component of RNA. The presence of this sugar in space supports the theory that organic molecules necessary for life can form in interstellar clouds and later be delivered to planets by comets or meteorites. The discovery adds to the growing list of complex organic molecules found in space.
Different Sugar Detected in Space
Spanish researchers found evidence of erythrulose, a sugar also found in raspberries and self-tanning lotions, in interstellar space. This discovery adds a new type of sugar to the list of organic molecules identified in space, distinct from the glycolaldehyde previously reported.
What's Next
Further observations are planned to search for other sugar molecules in the same region. It remains unclear how common such compounds are in other star-forming regions and whether they can survive the journey to planetary surfaces.
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Astronomers detect sugar molecules in interstellar space for first time
