Discovery of Organic Molecule in the Center of the Milky Way Galaxy

For the first time, scientists have successfully discovered an organic molecule in interstellar space that has a structure similar to organic molecules on Earth. According to Reuters, scientists announced that this molecule, named propylene oxide, has been detected in a cloud of dust and gas near the center of the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery was made using powerful radio telescopes. Similar to human hands that are paired (and mirror each other), some organic molecules (like propylene oxide) have pairs that resemble themselves, known as 'handed' molecules. However, this new discovery further confirms the theory that 'handed' molecules have cosmic origins. Bert McGuire from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Virginia, USA, stated: 'This (new discovery) is a significant leap towards understanding how prebiotic molecules arise in the universe. This discovery may lead to understanding the mystery of the origin of life.' These types of molecules, which are vital for cell formation, have previously been observed in meteorites and comets but have never been detected in interstellar space. This discovery strengthens the hypothesis that life was first brought to Earth by celestial bodies such as meteorites or comets. Recently, astronomers found glycine, an amino acid, in a comet. News of this important discovery has been published in the scientific journal Science.