Planetologists have found organic matter on comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko

In their work published in Nature Communications, planetary scientists analyzed data obtained

mass spectrometer located on board the Rosetta space station. They were able to identify a number of complex organic molecules that had never before been found on comets.

Researchers explain that when a cometChuryumova - Gerasimenko reached its perihelion, the point closest to the Sun, it became very active. The sublimating ice created a stream of water vapor, which carried along dust particles. At the same time, under the influence of solar temperatures, they were heated to high temperatures unattainable on the surface. 

Using the mass spectrometer "Rosetta"analyzed the composition of the heated particles. Thanks to the high accuracy of the sensors, scientists were able to detect complex molecules that previously remained hidden in the dust.

We found, for example, naphthalene, which is responsible forthe characteristic smell of the powder of the same name. We also found benzoic acid, a natural component of incense. In addition, we identified benzaldehyde, widely used to impart almond flavor to foods, and many other molecules. 

Nora Hanni, researcher at the Physics Institute, University of Bern

In addition to aromatic molecules on the comet alsohave discovered many substances with prebiotic functionality, scientists add. This is, for example, formid. Such compounds are important intermediates in the synthesis of biomolecules (for example, sugars or amino acids).

Researchers believe the discovery confirmshypothesis about the possible cosmic origin of carbon life on Earth. Comets that have collided with our planet may have carried organic material.

Comet Churyumov - Gerasimenko. Image: ESA/Rosetta/NAVCAM, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0

Rosetta is a research mission of the Europeanspace agency. The space station was launched in 2004 and spent more than two years (from 2014 to 2016) in orbit around the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

The data collected by the mission has already led to a number ofscientific discoveries, but scientists continue to analyze. Previously, Hi-Tech talked about a karudsoricing project in which everyone can help in deciphering photos taken during the mission.

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