Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) Archives - Astrobiology

This artist's conception shows a disk of dust and gas surrounding a young star with a large cavity carved out by a forming giant planet. These molecules originate from ices rich in organic matter that are heated by radiation from the star, forming gas. The detection of methanol, as well as the methanol isotopes, supports the idea that interstellar ices can survive the formation of planet-forming disks. Credit: CfA/M. Weiss

Astrochemistry, Astronomy & Telescopes, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Interstellar, Status Report

Key Building Block For Life Discovered In A Planet-forming Disk

by Keith CowingJune 5, 2025June 5, 2025

CfA astronomers have helped discover rare types of methanol, a building block required for life as we know it to form.