By continuing to use this website, you are giving consent to our use of cookies.
For more information on how ESO uses data and how you can disable cookies, please view our privacy policy.

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

Image Formats

Large JPEG
4.2 MB
Screensize JPEG
155.4 KB

Zoomable


Wallpapers

1024x768
233.7 KB
1280x1024
330.2 KB
1600x1200
441.6 KB
1920x1200
516.4 KB
2048x1536
666.1 KB