Astronomers Discover Complex Organic Matter Exists Throughout the Universe

[Tank]

Astronomers Discover Complex Organic Matter Exists Throughout the Universe

ScienceDaily (Oct. 26, 2011) — Astronomers report in the journal Nature that organic compounds of unexpected complexity exist throughout the Universe. The results suggest that complex organic compounds are not the sole domain of life but can be made naturally by stars.

Prof. Sun Kwok and Dr. Yong Zhang of The University of Hong Kong show that an organic substance commonly found throughout the Universe contains a mixture of aromatic (ring-like) and aliphatic (chain-like) components. The compounds are so complex that their chemical structures resemble those of coal and petroleum. Since coal and oil are remnants of ancient life, this type of organic matter was thought to arise only from living organisms. The team's discovery suggests that complex organic compounds can be synthesized in space even when no life forms are present...

Yet more evidence that complex organic (carbon based) chemistry pervades the universe.

[Too Few Lions]

really interesting link, thanks Tank. Science Daily's got some great stuff on it.

[Asmodean]

Wonder how long it will take before some religious types attempt to use it as proof of gods and unicorns and elves..?

[xSilverPhinx]

One more compelling case for panspermia (of the building blocks, I don't believe that aliens visited the Earth)

I watched a documentary somewhere (I'll never remember which one unfortunatly ) where it was shown that asteroid impacts could also transform simpler organic molecules into more complex ones.  These molecules were located inside the rock, where inside a good insulator, they were not destroyed upon impact. 

[OldGit]

Wonder how long it will take before some religious types attempt to use it as proof of gods and unicorns and elves..?

My thought exactly.

[BullyforBronto]

One more compelling case for panspermia (of the building blocks, I don't believe that aliens visited the Earth)

I watched a documentary somewhere (I'll never remember which one unfortunatly ) where it was shown that asteroid impacts could also transform simpler organic molecules into more complex ones.  These molecules were located inside the rock, where inside a good insulator, they were not destroyed upon impact. 

I think that was on NOVA a few weeks ago. Great documentary on planetary science and astrobiology.

[Troll god]

I hope these things don't evolve and become super intelligent and enslave us. No jokes, the tyrants on our planet are enslaving us enough, no ET necessary.

[Asmodean]

I hope these things don't evolve and become super intelligent and enslave us. No jokes, the tyrants on our planet are enslaving us enough, no ET necessary.

Why would a super-intelligent race even want to enslave us..? They would probably build robots smarter and far more functional than we are long before achieving the capacity for interstellar travel.

Using humans for food though... Now that would be fun.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

Wonder how long it will take before some religious types attempt to use it as proof of gods and unicorns and elves..?

Sooner than you think.  The article refers to "ring-like" and "chain-like" components being found throughout the universe.  Here are two links to "unicorn rings" and "unicorn chains."  The connection could not be more clear.  The chemical basis for unicorns has been established scientifically.

http://www.google.com/search?q=Unicorn+rings&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=YnO&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=QRSuTvfcMKiLsgLI2vX8Dg&ved=0CFQQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=570&sei=%20ThSuTu-1FKevsQKerJWZDw

http://www.zazzle.com/unicorn+keychains

[Asmodean]

See! You see! What did I tell you! Our resident theist jumped on the idea at once!