Context. Solid methane (CH4) is an important molecule in interstellar and planetary environments, serving as a precursor to complex organic compounds and a potential biosignature in exoplanetary studies. Despite its […]
complex organic molecules
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astrogeology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
A Chemistry-First Centered Icy Chemical Inventory of Protostellar Sources with JWST
The chemical evolution in star forming regions is driven by the interplay between gas and ice mantles. Identifying the ice compositions at the early stage of star formation thus provides […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Spatial Distribution Of Organics In The Horsehead Nebula: Signposts Of Chemistry Driven By Atomic Carbon
(Abridged) Complex organic molecules (COMs) are considered essential precursors to prebiotic species. While COMs were once expected to be efficiently destroyed under UV-irradiated conditions, detections in photodissociation regions (PDRs) have […]
![The integrated intensity images of CH3OH transitions overlaid with dust continuum (black contours at [5, 15, 45, 135, 405]σ and σ = 0.10 K). The integration intervals span from −2.5 to +12.5 km s−1. -- astro-ph.SR](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HOPS-288.png?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
HOPS-288: A Laboratory For Complex Organics In Proto-multiple Systems
Complex organic molecules (COMs) in young stellar objects (YSOs) have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their potential connection to pre-biotic chemistry and their utility as tracers of […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
One-dimensional And Time-dependent Modelling Of Complex Organic Molecules In Protostars
Complex organic molecules (COMs), the building blocks of life, have been extensively detected under various physical conditions, from quiescent clouds to star-forming regions.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Press Release
Photochemistry Of Interstellar Ice Forming Complex Organic Molecules
Processes expected to play a role in interstellar ice are simulated in the laboratory. Energetic photons and ions lead to fragmentation or desorption of molecules from the ice. The end […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Isotopomer-Specific Carbon Isotope Ratio of Complex Organic Molecules in Star-Forming Cores
Recent high-resolution and sensitivity ALMA observations have unveiled the carbon isotope ratios (12C/13C) of Complex Organic Molecules (COMs) in a low-mass protostellar source.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Chemical Modeling Of Aminoketene, Ethanolamine, And Glycine Production In Interstellar Ices
Icy interstellar dust grains are a source of complex organic molecule (COM) production, although their formation mechanisms are debated.
![The left panel shows a zoom of the GA and ethanol emission maps toward B0, B1 and B2 respectively, integrated over the velocity range [−10, 5] km s−1](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Glycolaldehyde-And-Ethanol-Toward.png?resize=1200%2C707&ssl=1)
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report
Glycolaldehyde And Ethanol Toward The L1157 Outflow: Resolved Images And Constraints On Glycolaldehyde Formation
Two main formation routes have been proposed for interstellar complex organic molecules (iCOMs): on dust grain surfaces and in the gas phase. Observing such molecules in protostellar outflow shock regions […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biophysics, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Interstellar, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Building Blocks Of Life Located In Ice Around A Forming Star In A Neighboring Galaxy
In a discovery that could reshape our understanding of how the chemical ingredients for life spread throughout the cosmos, astronomers detected organic molecules with more than six atoms frozen in […]