Astronomers Find Methanol 'Chemical Starter Kit' Around Young Stars Using ALMA

Astronomers using the ALMA observatory in Chile have reported surprises from methanol in the regions where planets are born.

The work is part of COMPASS, the Complex Organic Molecules in Protostars with ALMA Spectral Surveys project, led by University of Bern astrophysicist Maria Drozdovskaya. A multinational team of more than 30 astronomers has been tracking complex organic molecules around eleven young stars.

Methanol (CH3OH) is the most abundant complex organic molecule found in interstellar space and is commonly found in planet-forming disks. These molecules form part of the chemical inventory that ultimately builds planets and, perhaps, the life that may one day live on them.

Drozdovskaya said the work provides insight into the complex chemistry of young star systems and is an important piece of the puzzle in understanding the origin of life.