On the comet Lovejoy, scientists have discovered a molecule of alcohol – RBC Ukraine

An international team of scientists has found the first time as part of cometary material alcohol molecules. Reported Deutsche Welle , with reference to the journal Science Advances.

“We have found in the comet C / 2013 Q2, known as Comet Lovejoy, the molecules 21 of an organic compound, including ethanol and the simplest monosaccharide – glycolaldehyde, which had never before in comets have not met, “- said in a statement.

The discovery was made by a 30-meter telescope of the Institute of Radio Astronomy in the millimeter range, located in the Spanish Sierra Nevada.

It is noted that various organic substances repeatedly managed to find in other comets. So, in 2014, scientists have found in the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the molecule 16 organic compounds, four of which – methyl isocyanate, acetone, propanal and acetamide – earlier comets met.

The chemical composition of comets attracted attention of scientists, in particular in connection with the question of the origin of life on Earth. According to one theory, substances necessary for the emergence of organic life may have been carried to Earth by comets.

Let us recall, and stronomy discovered new details devouring black hole Stars .