This means that “alcohol clouds” may not be that rare in the Universe. Astronomers are studying the cool, dark molecular clouds surrounding the protostars IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385.
Data analysis showed that these “alcohol clouds” contained ethanol, formic acid, methane, acetic acid and other complex organic molecules.
The discovery sheds light on the origins of complex organic molecules in space. It is believed that they are formed as a result of chemical reactions on the surface of cold dust particles. These molecules can then sublimate, that is, change from a solid to a gaseous state, and end up on planets where they may play a role in the origin of life.
What is particularly interesting about IRAS 2A is that it is a low-mass protostar similar to the early Solar System. This means our young Sun could have “alcohol clouds” and then “seed” the Earth with organic matter.
Source: Ferra
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