More than 120 molecular species found in giant cloud near Milky Way's center

More than 120 molecular species were found in a giant cloud near the center of the Milky Way, including several molecules associated with prebiotic chemistry. The cloud, G+0.633, is the first confirmed chemical twin of another famous molecule-rich cloud, G+0.693. The study, published in arXiv, reveals that the cloud contains over 120 different molecular species, including the aromatic cycle benzonitrile, which is a key building block for life. The researchers also detected ethanolamine, sp-glycolamide, and cyanomethanimine, which are all linked to life's basic chemistry.

The cloud was identified through the analysis of HNCO emission maps, which showed that it emerged at the most prominent HNCO emission peaks. The cloud is warm enough to sustain chemical activity but emits cleaner signals, suggesting it is influenced by low-velocity shock waves. These shock waves may have stirred up the cloud, releasing molecules from icy dust grains. The researchers found that the cloud contains more than 120 molecular species, including all six essential biogenic elements, and is the first confirmed astrochemical twin of G+0.693.

The discovery strengthens the case that life-building-block molecules can form reliably under the right physical conditions. The study highlights the importance of these clouds as potential sites for the origin of life, as they contain a rich variety of complex molecules. The findings suggest that the chemistry of G+0.693 may not be a cosmic oddity, and the presence of similar molecules in a second cloud supports the idea that life-relevant molecules can form in a variety of environments.

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