Ekhbary News Agency | 2026-05-12
Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, detecting a sugar molecule for the very first time in the vast expanse of interstellar space. The molecule, identified as erythrulose, possesses four carbon atoms and is naturally found on Earth in certain fruits. Its presence, detected 26,000 light-years away, offers a tantalizing hint towards unraveling the enduring mystery surrounding the origin of life on our planet.
A Chemical Factory Near the Galactic Center
The study, published in the esteemed journal Nature Astronomy, focused on molecular cloud G+0.693−0.027. This region, situated near the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, is known to be exceptionally rich in molecules and acts as a cosmic chemical factory due to interstellar collisions. Researchers utilized data from radio telescopes in Spain, analyzing microwave frequencies to pinpoint the molecule's unique signature.
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Space Sugars and the Origin of Life
While sugar molecules are fundamental to life on Earth, fueling cells and forming the basis of RNA and DNA, their accumulation on early Earth remains a puzzle. Scientists have long theorized that meteorites could have delivered these essential components. The detection of erythrulose, a ketose sugar also found in tanning lotions and raspberries, adds another piece to this cosmic puzzle, reinforcing the idea that the building blocks of life may indeed be forged in the stars.
