Sunday 07 September 2025
Deep within a cloud of interstellar gas and dust, a nascent stage of star formation is unfolding. The discovery of complex organic molecules and deuterated methanol in this prestellar core provides a unique window into the early chemistry of our solar system.
The IRAS 16293E prestellar core is a fascinating subject for astronomers. Located within the L1689N molecular cloud, it’s situated just east of the chemically rich IRAS 16293-2422 A and B protostellar systems. The high levels of deuteration in these systems suggest that complex organic molecules are forming during the prestellar stage, when deuterium is enhanced.
A team of astronomers has now detected the simplest complex organic molecule, methanol, as well as other higher-complexity molecules like acetaldehyde, methyl formate, and dimethyl ether. These findings provide new insights into the early chemistry of star formation and the origin of life on Earth.
The detection of deuterated methanol in IRAS 16293E is particularly significant. Deuterium is a rare isotope of hydrogen that’s essential for understanding the chemical evolution of our solar system. The high levels of deuteration observed in this prestellar core suggest that complex organic molecules are forming during the early stages of star formation, long before the protostar has even begun to shine.
The astronomers used a combination of radio telescopes, including the Arizona Radio Observatory’s 12-meter telescope and the Yebes 40-meter telescope, to detect these complex molecules. By analyzing the signals received from these telescopes, they were able to determine the abundance ratios of different molecules and calculate the excitation temperatures of the gas.
The results suggest that the chemical composition of this prestellar core is remarkably similar to that of other protostars and even comets. This finding has important implications for our understanding of the origins of life on Earth. It suggests that the building blocks of life may have been present in the early solar system, providing a foundation for the emergence of complex life forms.
Further study of this prestellar core will continue to uncover new insights into the early chemistry of star formation and the origin of life on Earth. The detection of complex organic molecules and deuterated methanol is an exciting development that has significant implications for our understanding of the universe and our place within it.
Cite this article: “Unveiling the Early Chemistry of Star Formation: Detection of Complex Organic Molecules in a Prestellar Core”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Star Formation, Interstellar Gas, Dust, Complex Organic Molecules, Deuterated Methanol, Prestellar Core, Protostar, Comets, Origins Of Life, Solar System
