NASA Science News for June 20, 2000
Scientists have discovered a molecular cousin to table
sugar in a giant interstellar cloud known as Sagittarius B2.
The discovery of this sugar molecule in a cloud where new
stars are forming means it is increasingly likely that chemical
precursors to life are formed in such clouds long before planets
develop around stars.
U N I V E R S E
T O D A Y
Space Exploration News From Around the Internet, Updated Every Weekday.
June 19, 2000 - Issue #258
SPACE SUGAR DISCOVERED
Astronomers have discovered evidence of simple sugar molecules located in a giant
cloud of dust and gas near the center of the Milky Way. The discovery was made
using the National Science Foundation's 12 meter radio telescope. Finding this
space sugar encourages the possibility that the precursors to life are formed
in early solar systems - even before the planets have formed.
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
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