Recent observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have revealed the presence of ethanol (a type of alcohol) in a vast cloud surrounding two young protostars. This discovery sheds light on the complex chemistry occurring in the early stages of star formation and the potential for the building blocks of life to be present in these environments.

The detection was made using Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), which is capable of detecting the faint infrared glow emitted by molecules in space. The ethanol was found in the form of ice, mixed with other complex organic molecules such as acetic acid (the main component of vinegar) and methanol (wood alcohol).
This discovery is significant because it provides evidence that the building blocks of life can be present in the harsh environments of space. It also suggests that the formation of complex molecules may be more common than previously thought, which could have implications for the search for life elsewhere in the universe.
The ethanol cloud is located about 470 light-years away from Earth, in the constellation Taurus. The two protostars at the center of the cloud are still in the early stages of formation, and are expected to eventually become stars like our Sun.
The discovery of ethanol in this cloud is a reminder of the vast and complex universe we live in, and the many mysteries that still await discovery.

Yes, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected ethanol, or alcohol, in space: 

• DiscoveryThe JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) identified ethanol and other complex organic molecules (COMs) in the solid phase of interstellar ices. The discovery was made around two young protostars, IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385, where planets have not yet formed. 
• Other molecules detectedIn addition to ethanol, the JWST also detected:
  • Acetaldehyde 
  • Methyl formate 
  • Acetic acid 
  • Formic acid 
  • Methane 
  • Formaldehyde 
  • Sulphur dioxide 
• SignificanceThese molecules are considered essential for forming potentially habitable planets. The discovery suggests that solid-phase chemical reactions on cold dust grains contribute to the formation of complex molecules. 
• Next stepsThe research team plans to follow the astrochemical trail with more Webb data in the coming years. 

Alcohol in space clouds is significant because it can help scientists understand how stars form: 

• FormationAlcohol is created by the combination of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, which are abundant in the universe. As particles gravitate together to form a new star, the alcohol heats up and turns to gas. 
• Astrophysical masersAlcohol clouds can trigger astrophysical masers, which are natural occurrences that were once thought to be human creations. 
• Ingredients for habitable worldsAlcohol and other complex organic molecules, like acetic acid, are key ingredients for making potentially habitable worlds. 

Here are some examples of alcohol in space:

• 1995 discoveryAn alcohol cloud was discovered near the Aquila constellation, containing enough ethyl alcohol to fill up our solar system and a thousand more. 
• 288 billion mile bridgeAstronomers discovered a giant bridge of methyl alcohol that spans approximately 288 billion miles. 
• W3(OH)An interstellar cloud of methyl alcohol surrounds a stellar nursery, where the right conditions exist to trigger an astrophysical maser. 
• NASA’s Webb Space TelescopeThe Webb Space Telescope identified icy compounds made of ethanol and acetic acid surrounding two young protostars. 

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