What's the story
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have found complex organic molecules outside the Milky Way for the first time. The detection was made using NASA 's James Webb Space Telescope, specifically its Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI). The research team, led by University of Maryland and NASA research scientist Marta Sewilo, discovered five different carbon-based compounds in the ice surrounding a young star called ST6.
Molecule identification
First detection of these COMs in interstellar ice
The research team identified five complex organic molecules (COMs) in the ice surrounding ST6. These include methanol and ethanol (types of alcohol), methyl formate and acetaldehyde (industrial chemicals on Earth), and the acetic acid (the main component of vinegar). Notably, a