First detection of sugar (erythrulose) in interstellar space near Milky Way’s center
Consensus Summary
Astronomers have detected erythrulose, a four-carbon sugar containing four carbon atoms, four oxygen atoms, and eight hydrogen atoms, in interstellar space for the first time near the center of the Milky Way. The discovery, published in *Nature Astronomy*, reveals that complex organic molecules like sugars can form in molecular clouds before stars and planets develop. Researchers found the sugar in the gas cloud G+0.693-0.027 using radio telescopes in Spain, with evidence suggesting it forms when glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol combine on dust grains. The ABC article notes this builds on over 350 chemicals already detected in space, while the Guardian highlights the Late Heavy Bombardment as a potential delivery mechanism for such molecules to Earth. Both sources agree the finding supports theories that life’s building blocks may originate from cosmic processes.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Erythrulose (C4H8O4), a sugar containing four carbon atoms, four oxygen atoms, and eight hydrogen atoms, was detected in interstellar space for the first time.
- The discovery was published in *Nature Astronomy*.
- Erythrulose was detected in the gas cloud G+0.693-0.027 near the center of the Milky Way.
- The sugar forms through reactions between glycolaldehyde and ethylene glycol on interstellar dust grains.
- More than 350 different chemicals have been detected in interstellar space.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The study’s lead author is Izaskun Jiménez-Serra of the Center for Astrobiology CSIC-INTA in Spain.
- Glycoaldehyde (a two-carbon compound) was also detected at similar levels to erythrulose in the same gas cloud.
- The detection of erythrulose suggests key ingredients for life can form in molecular nebulae before stars and planets form.
- The Yebes 40m and IRAM 30-metre radio telescopes were used to capture the data.
- The first molecules in interstellar space were found in 1937.
- The Late Heavy Bombardment may have delivered millions of tonnes of erythrulose to Earth via comets and asteroids.
- Erythrulose reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells to create brown polymers (melanoidins) through the Maillard reaction.
- Prof Yoshihiro Furukawa of Tohoku University noted sugars formed in the interstellar medium could reach Earth via cometary dust.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The ABC article mentions the first molecules were found in 1937, but the Guardian does not reference this date.
Source Articles
Signs of sugar detected near centre of the Milky Way
Astronomers have detected signs of a type of sugar found in raspberries in gas clouds near the centre of our galaxy the Milky Way.
Natural sugar discovered in cloud of dust and gas near centre of Milky Way
Detection of erythrulose, also found in raspberries, shows that compounds key to life can form in interstellar space A natural sugar found in raspberries and used in fake tan lotions has been detected in an enormous cloud of dust and gas that lurks near the heart of the Milky Way. The discovery does not suggest that the galaxy revolves around a distant civilisation of pale, safety-conscious frugivores, but shows that compounds important for life can form in the frigid expanse between the stars.