Scientists have found complex organic molecules in a Supernova remnant

For the first time, astronomers have discovered dense gas shells of young stars containing complex organic molecules inside a supernova remnant. Observations have shown that chemicals can persist even under conditions of powerful radiation and shock waves. This was reported on July 9 by the portal Phys.org .

Specialists from Niigata, Gifu, and Kyoto Universities, as well as the RIKEN Institute, studied the supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946. The massive star that formed this object exploded about 1.6 thousand years ago. For the observations, the scientists used the ALMA radio telescope. Inside the supernova remnant, they were able to detect two hot cores — warm and dense cocoons of molecular gas surrounding newly formed stars. Previously, similar structures had not been found in supernova remnants.

Both objects contained a large number of molecular compounds, including complex organic substances. In one of the hot cores, their relative concentrations turned out to be comparable to those of ordinary star-forming regions that were not exposed to a nearby supernova explosion.

He added that environments capable of preserving complex organic molecules and potential components of prebiotic chemistry may be more diverse than expected. The researchers are considering several possible explanations for the stability of the compounds. Hot nuclei could have started to experience the effects of a supernova relatively recently, so cosmic rays have not yet had time to significantly change their chemical composition.

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In addition, magnetic fields enhanced by a shock wave can prevent charged particles from penetrating a dense molecular gas. In this case, the star cocoons actually act as a protective shield.

The discovery has implications for studying the origin of the solar system. An analysis of the oldest substance indicates that it could have formed in an area influenced by a nearby supernova. New observations show that such conditions do not necessarily destroy the organic components involved in the formation of stars and planets.

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