Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). For the first time, complex organic molecules like methanol and ethanol have been found in an icy star system outside our Milky Way galaxy. This stunning revelation hints at the possibility of life’s building blocks forming elsewhere in the universe.
Organic Molecules Discovered in Distant Star
The JWST’s advanced infrared sensors enabled astronomers to peer deep into a distant icy star system. They detected clear signatures of methanol and ethanol—organic compounds essential for life as we know it. These molecules serve as the chemical ‘seeds’ that can eventually lead to the formation of amino acids and other life-related compounds.
Implications for Life Beyond Earth
This discovery marks a significant leap in our quest to understand the origins of life. By identifying these complex molecules outside our galaxy, scientists now believe that the basic ingredients for life may be more common in the universe than previously thought. The finding fuels excitement about the potential for life in other star systems and galaxies, expanding our horizons beyond the Milky Way.
Sources:
Euronews
