For years scientists thought complex molecules could only be formed on Earth. But what if we did find these kinds of molecules out in space? What if they could be formed not just in and around biology but also in cold, dark corners of the universe? Scientists have wondered if they might have been early seeds for life on earth, or even a stockpile of molecular building blocks deposited onto our planet and others. In 2023, we found ortho-benzyne in molecular clouds, a simple molecule that helps to create more complex molecules.

#molecularclouds #space #carbon


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Credits:
Executive Producer:
Matthew Radcliff

Producers:
Elaine Seward
Andrew Sobey
Darren Weaver

Writer:
Alex Danis, Ph.D.

Host:
Alex Danis, Ph.D.

Scientific Consultants:
Brianne Raccor, Ph.D.
Olivia Harper Wilkins, Ph.D.
Michelle Boucher, Ph.D.


Executive in Charge for PBS: Maribel Lopez
Director of Programming for PBS: Gabrielle Ewing
Assistant Director of Programming for PBS: John Campbell


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