In an exciting discovery, scientists have found the largest sulfur molecule ever spotted in space. This molecule, called thiepine, is significant for understanding how life might have originated in the cosmos.
Thiepine (2,5-cyclohexadiene-1-thione) is a complex sulfur-rich hydrocarbon formed through biochemical processes. It was detected in a molecular cloud known as G+0.693–0.027, located about 27,000 light-years away from Earth, near the Milky Way’s center. The discovery was made by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and the Centro de Astrobiología in Spain.
For the first time, scientists linked astronomical observations to lab experiments. They created thiepine in the lab by using a strong electrical discharge on thiophenol, a simpler hydrocarbon. This allowed them to analyze the radio-frequency emissions of the resulting molecules, which they then matched with data from radio telescopes in Spain.
Previous studies had only found smaller sulfur compounds in space, which are critical for proteins and enzymes. The discovery of thiepine closes the gap between the types of organic molecules seen in meteorites and those found in space. This connection could reshape our understanding of how life’s building blocks formed.
Lead researcher Mitsunori Araki emphasized the importance of this finding: “This is the first clear detection of a complex sulfur-containing molecule in interstellar space, marking a vital step in linking space chemistry to life’s building blocks.” Co-author Valerio Lattanzi pointed out that the compounds necessary for life likely develop even before stars form.
Interestingly, this aligns with other recent findings indicating that key life ingredients like peptides can form spontaneously in space. It suggests a rich universe teeming with the precursors of life, more abundant than we once thought.
This research was published in Nature Astronomy, and it highlights how much we still have to learn about the origins of life in the universe. Each discovery like this adds a piece to the puzzle of where we come from, reinforcing the idea that the cosmic setting might be a cradle for life.
For more information on this groundbreaking research, check out the findings from Nature Astronomy here.
