A molecule without hydrogen atoms, detected in the chemical heart of the galaxy, has revealed new clues about the emergence of the vineto. His finding, led by Colombian researchers, was published in Chemical ScienceRoyal Society of Chemistry magazine, and could redefine what science knows about the molecular evolution of the universe.
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It is an unsaturated molecule, that is, lacking hydrogen, the most abundant element of the cosmos. Its detection was given in Sagittarius B2, one of the most massive and dense regions of the Milky Way, located 390 light years from the galactic center. In that environment, marked by intense radiation and extreme conditions, a group of scientists managed to track a compound that, until now, had gone unnoticed.
“The unconventional structure of this molecule made it difficult to detect, but now we know that it could be abundant in the universe and key to the formation of amino acids,” said astronomer Jhoan Londoño Restrepo, member of the analysis team in Colombia.
The project was led by physicist Albeiro Restrepo, a professor at the University of Antioquia, and involved scientists such as Heidy Quitián-Lara and Felipe Fantuzzi, who began observations from Brazil. The data obtained were analyzed in Medellín through quantum mechanics calculations developed by the Restrepo group. The chemist Santiago Gómez and Londoño himself also participated, then students in training.
A finding that connects galaxies and laboratories
The relevance of discovery not only lies in the identified compound, but in its function. According to Jorge Alí Torres, theoretical chemist of the National University, “these unsaturated molecules allow to draw the way to more complex, essential compounds to understand how life arose on earth.”
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In addition to its possible role in the formation of amino acids and prebiotic structures, The finding shows that border scientific research can be carried out from Colombia. “This achievement shows that from Medellín you can lead projects that impact world science,” Londoño added.
The research also makes visible the potential of Colombian universities, such as the National, the Andes and that of Antioquia, which currently participate in experiments of the Great Hadron Colliding (LHC) in the CERN.
“Only sustained support and confidence in local knowledge are needed,” said researcher Carlos Gómez, highlighting that these types of advances position the country as a relevant actor in emerging areas such as astrochemistry.
