New Complex Molecule Discovered in Space Could Explain Life's Origins

Astronomers may have found a molecule in the depths of space that could explain the origins of life. The unusual molecule, discovered at a distance of 27,000 light-years, suggests that complex molecules may have originated from interstellar space.

The researchers first discovered the carbon-based molecule with the help of Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). Using this group of radio telescopes, the scientists examined the gaseous star-forming region, called Sagittarius B2. The goal was to look for fingerprints of new interstellar molecules with the help of sensitivity and resolution about 10 times greater than previous surveys.

"Understanding the production of organic material at the early stages of star formation is critical to piecing together the gradual progression from simple molecules to potentially life-bearing chemistry," said Arnaud Belloche, one of the researchers, in a news release.

In this case, they spotted a molecule called isopropyl cyanide. Organic molecules that are usually found in star-forming regions usually consist of a simple "backbone" of carbon atoms arranged in a straight chain. In the case of isopropyl cyanide, though, the molecule branches off.

There are about 50 individual features for isopropyl cyanide, and it's one of the largest molecules yet detected in any star-forming region. This molecule, in particular, opens up the possibility that molecules might ultimately find their way to the surfaces of planets and contribute to the origins of life.

The findings reveal a bit more about the variety of molecules that can be found in interstellar space. That said, it's likely that this isn't the only molecule with this kind of structure. Researchers hope that with more studies and more time, they can uncover even more molecules, which may shed light on the origins of life in our early universe.

The findings are published in the journal Science.