- #1
Loren Booda
- 3,125
- 4
What is the most complex extraterrestrial molecule yet discovered?
Over 130 molecules have been identified in interstellar space so far, including sugars and ethanol. But amino acids are a particularly important find because they link up to form proteins, the molecules that run, and to a large extent make up our cells
It'd be something if terrestrial bacteria managed to survive and mutate into heterotrophs on the moon. The whole lunar surface might change color.Nommos Prime (Dogon) said:How about some common bacteria living on the Earth's Moon?
Streptococcus Mitis, (apparently, originally, from Earth);
http://science.nasa.gov/newhome/headlines/ast01sep98_1.htm
Given the right strain, it might well ferment into cheese!It'd be something if terrestrial bacteria managed to survive and mutate into heterotrophs on the moon. The whole lunar surface might change color.
setAI said:wouldn't a binary or multiple star system or tight cluster consisting only of neutron stars technically be considered a molecule? and would it be complex based on transfinite numbers of neutrons- or simple?
___________________________
/:set\AI transmedia laboratories
http://setai-transmedia.com
The most complex extraterrestrial molecule discovered so far is called Buckminsterfullerene, also known as C60. It was first identified in the interstellar medium in 1985 and is made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a spherical shape.
Buckminsterfullerene was discovered through a combination of laboratory experiments and astronomical observations. Scientists recreated the conditions of the interstellar medium in a lab and were able to produce C60, which was then confirmed to exist in space through observations using infrared telescopes.
Buckminsterfullerene is considered a complex molecule because it is made up of 60 carbon atoms, which is a large number compared to other molecules found in space. Additionally, its unique shape and arrangement of atoms make it a highly complex and stable molecule.
The discovery of complex extraterrestrial molecules like Buckminsterfullerene provides valuable insights into the chemical processes and environments in space. It also expands our understanding of the building blocks of life and the potential for life to exist beyond Earth.
Yes, there are likely many more complex extraterrestrial molecules yet to be discovered. As technology and scientific techniques continue to advance, we may uncover even more complex and potentially life-sustaining molecules in the universe.