Professor Sun Kwok and Dr. Yong Zhang of the University of Hong Kong reported the existence of relatively complex organic molecules that exist throughout space as we know it in the October 26, 2011. Issue of the journal Nature.
This discovery indicates that stars themselves are responsible for the creation of the organic mixture of aromatic (ring-like) and aliphatic (chain-like) components. No life forms are the source of these compounds and no evidence to date indicates these compounds came from any life form.
The researchers have solved the mystery of the "Unidentified Infrared Emission features." An infrared spectrum of any area of space has an organic component that previously was considered to be simple short chain compound but know can definitely be show to be complex molecules. The existence of a large variety of organic molecules appears to be a universe (even cosmos) wide normality.
Exploding stars are credited with creating the "Unidentified Infrared Emission features." Much like each element was formed from a collision of smaller elements in the big bang, the force and heat involved in a stellar explosion provides more than sufficient energy for the production of the organic compounds observed. Most of these organics are similar to petroleum or coal compounds. Coals infrared spectrum produces over 3300 known organic compounds.
The organics created by stellar explosions were shown to have become attached to meteors. Some of the meteors may have struck Earth. The authors do not suppose any connection between their discovery and the beginnings of life on Earth.
Prof. Sun Kwok is the Dean of Science and Chair Professor of Physics of the University of Hong Kong. He serves as Vice President of Division VI (interstellar matter) of the International Astronomical Union, and is the incoming Vice President of Commission 51 (bioastronomy) of the International Astronomical Union. He has published many books, including the recent book "Organic Matter in the Universe" (Wiley, 2011).
Dr. Yong Zhang is a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Hong Kong.
This research was announced at the Eureka Alert web site on October 26, 2011.
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