ALMA detects methyl isocyanate around young Sun-like stars (artist's impression)

ALMA has observed stars like the Sun at a very early stage in their formation and found traces of methyl isocyanate — a chemical building block of life. This is the first ever detection of this prebiotic molecule towards a solar-type protostar, the sort from which our Solar System evolved. The discovery could help astronomers understand how life arose on Earth.

This artist's impression gives a very close-up view of what these molecules look like.

Credit:

ESO/L. Calçada

About the Image

Id:eso1718b
Type:Artwork
Release date:8 June 2017, 12:00
Related releases:eso1718
Size:6000 x 3375 px

About the Object

Type:Milky Way : Nebula : Type : Star Formation
Category:Illustrations
Stars

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