astronomer using Mid-infrared measuring instrument The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope's (MIRI) detected molecules ranging from relatively simple ones like methane to complex compounds like ethanol (alcohol) and acetic acid. interstellar ice One low-mass protostar and one high-mass protostar: toward NGC 1333 IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385+6053, respectively.
This image taken by Webb's MIRI instrument shows the region near the IRAS 23385+6053 protostar. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/WRM Rocha, LEI.
Complex organic molecules (COM) are molecules with six or more atoms, including at least one carbon atom.
These materials are the raw material for future exoplanetary systems and are therefore of essential importance in understanding the chemical complexity developed in star-forming regions.
If this material becomes available in a primitive planetary system, it could facilitate the planet's habitability.
In a new study, astronomers Will Rocha, Harold Linnaerts and colleagues at Leiden University used Webb's mid-infrared instrument to determine the extent of COM ice in two protostars, NGC 1333 IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385+6053. We investigated the characteristics.
They were able to identify a variety of COMs, including ethanol (alcohol) and perhaps acetic acid (a component of vinegar).
“Our discovery contributes to one of the long-standing questions in astrochemistry,” Dr. Rocha said.
“What is the origin of COM in the Universe?” Are they created in the gas phase or in ice? Detection of COM in ice is based on the solid phase at the surface of cold dust particles It suggests that chemical reactions can build complex types of molecules. ”
“Some COMs, including those detected in the solid phase in our study, were previously detected in the warm gas phase, so they are now thought to originate from ice sublimation.”
“Sublimation is the change from a solid directly to a gas without becoming a liquid.”
“Therefore, we have hope that detecting COM in ice will improve our understanding of the origins of other, larger molecules in the universe.”
This figure shows the spectrum of the NGC 1333 IRAS 2A protostar. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Leah Hustak, STScI.
The researchers also detected simpler molecules such as formic acid, methane, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide.
“Sulfur-containing compounds, such as sulfur dioxide, played an important role in promoting metabolic reactions on early Earth,” the researchers said.
“Of particular interest is that one of the investigated origins, NGC 1333 IRAS 2A, is characterized as a low-mass protostar.”
“NGC 1333 IRAS 2A may resemble the early stages of our solar system.”
“Therefore, the chemicals identified around this protostar may have been present during the earliest stages of the development of the solar system and were later delivered to the proto-Earth.”
“All of these molecules could become part of comets, asteroids, and ultimately new planetary systems as icy material is transported inside planet-forming disks as protostar systems evolve.” '' said Dr. Ewain van Dyschoek, an astronomer at Leiden University.
“We look forward to using more web data in the coming years to follow this astrochemical trajectory step by step.”
of the team paper It was published in the magazine astronomy and astrophysics.
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WRM Rocha other. 2024. JWST Young Protostar Observation (JOYS+): Detection of icy complex organic molecules and ions. I.CH.FourSo2,HCOO−,OCN−,H2Colorado, Cooh, Switzerland3CH2Oh, CH3Cho, channel3Ocho and CH3Coo. A&A 683, A124; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202348427
Source: www.sci.news
