NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has recently discovered a tantalizing “cosmic cocktail” of complex organic molecules (COMs), including ethanol (alcohol) and likely acetic acid (an ingredient in vinegar), around two young protostars named IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385. These findings provide compelling evidence supporting the idea that the essential ingredients for life may exist in the vastness of space, opening up exciting possibilities for the search for life beyond Earth.
The Webb telescope, equipped with its powerful Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), observed swirling clouds of ice enshrouding the nascent stars. Within these icy patches, researchers detected a rich array of organic molecules, which serve as crucial building blocks for life. The presence of these molecules offers valuable insights into the chemical conditions required for the emergence of life, suggesting that the seeds of habitability may be widespread throughout the universe.
