Scientists find building blocks for life near baby star

A new study uncovers potential building blocks for life in distant space.

Breakthrough discovery reveals ingredients for life near baby star

Astronomers have found key components for life near a young star, V883 Orionis, located about 1,300 light-years from Earth. This star contains 17 complex organic molecules, such as ethylene glycol and glycolonitrile, which are essential for DNA and RNA formation. The discovery, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, suggests that these prebiotic molecules might be more widespread in the universe than previously believed. Researchers used the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile to detect these molecules within a gas and debris disk surrounding the star, despite the powerful energy emitted during its formation.

This finding shifts our understanding of where life-creating materials might exist. Instead of being obliterated by the violent processes of star formation, these organic molecules may actually thrive around newborn stars. This insight could inspire future explorations and research into how similar elements are distributed across the cosmos, indicating a possibly higher likelihood of finding extraterrestrial life.

Highlights

As astronomers continue to investigate these findings, the search for extraterrestrial life becomes more promising.