Figure 1: Artist's Conception Symbolically Represents Complex Organic Molecules
This artist's conception symbolically represents complex organic
molecules, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, seen in the early
universe. These large molecules, comprised of carbon and hydrogen, are
considered among the building blocks of life.
NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is the first telescope to see polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons so early -- 10 billion years further back in time
than seen previously. Spitzer detected these molecules in galaxies when
our universe was one-fourth of its current age of about 14 billion years.
These complex molecules are very common on Earth. They form any time
carbon-based materials are not burned completely. They can be found in
sooty exhaust from cars and airplanes, and in charcoal broiled hamburgers
and burnt toast.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pervasive in galaxies like our own
Milky Way, and play a significant role in star and planet formation.
