The first organic molecule on an extraterrestrial planet

The Hubble telescope first discovered the presence of organic molecules in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting another star. This breakthrough is an important step in the journey to find signs of life on an extraterrestrial planet.

Hubble discovered signs of methane in the atmosphere of an extraterrestrial, Jupiter-sized planet, symbol HD 189733b . Under the right conditions, methane plays an important role in prebiotic chemistry - that is, chemical reactions considered necessary in the process of life formation as we know it. Although methane has been detected on most planets in our solar system, this is the first time an organic molecule is present on a planet orbiting another star.

The finding demonstrates that Hubble and upcoming space missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope of NASA / ESA / CSA, can detect organic molecules on planets orbiting stars. Another by analyzing the spectrum, the method of dividing light into many elements and uncovering traces of different chemicals.

An illustration of an extraterrestrial planet HD 189733b, now believed to have methane and water.Astronomers used the Hubble Telescope to find methane - the first organic element discovered on an extrasolar planet.Hubble also confirmed the existence of water vapor in the atmosphere of Jupiter-sized planets - a discovery made in 2007 with the help of the Spitzer Telescope.Scientists have discovered this by studying how light from a parent star penetrates the orbiting planet's atmosphere.(Photo: ESA / NASA / UCL)

According to Mark Swain, of NASA's Jet Reaction Laboratory, USA; The leader of the group found the traces above, 'this is a decisive step in re-describing prebiotic molecules in planets where life can exist.' Swain is the lead author of the study, which will soon be published in Nature .

This discovery comes after extensive observations in May 2007 conducted by Hubble with near infrared lenses and multi-object spectroscopy (NICMOS). Affirming the existence of water molecules in the planet's atmosphere - a finding by co-author Giovanna Tinetti, ESA staff at the Paris, France Institute of Astrophysics, using space telescopes NASA spitzer.

' This observation has answered the question of whether or not water is on the planet - water actually exists .' Swain said.

The planet HD 189733b is now recognized as having steam and methane, located 63 light-years away from the constellation Vulpecula (small fox).HD 189733b is a hot Jupiter-type planet outside the solar system and so close to the parent planet that it only takes two days to complete orbit. Hot - Jupiter stars are Jupiter - sized planets but orbiting close to their stars more than Mercury, the solar system of the solar system. HD 189733b's atmosphere boils at 900 ^° C, the same melting point of silver.

Observations were made when the planet moved to the front position of its star, a phenomenon that astronomers call a passing. When light from the star travels through the atmosphere outside the planet's edge, gases in the atmosphere leave their characteristic traces on the light emitted by stars HD 189733.

Giovanna Tinetti said: 'Only one country cannot explain the entire spectrum of observed spectra. The presence of methane is essential to match Hubble's data. '

Methane, a compound of carbon and hydrogen, is one of the main components of natural gas and petroleum products. On earth, methane is born from many sources: not only from natural sources such as termites, oceans, marshy environments but also from livestock or human sources such as landfills or production. byproducts of energy production.

Tinetti quickly identified the biological origin of methane on HD 189733b.'This atmosphere is so hot that even the best form of life endures, it cannot survive - at least one of the forms of life we ​​know on earth.'

Astronomers were surprised to discover that the planet has more methane than predicted based on the usual pattern of hot Jupiter . This hot planet usually has more CO than methane but HD 189733b is the opposite.

Tinetti said: 'The logical explanation is that Hubble's observation is more sensitive to the dark side of the planet, where colder atmospheres and photochemical mechanisms destroys methane are less active. more effective than the morning sun. '

Although this star is so hot that it does not fit the kind of life that we know, according to Swain, the observed result is evidence that the spectroscopy could finally be done on a planet of size. equal to the earth, cooler and possibly life, revolving around a red dwarf. '

The primary goal of this type of research is to identify atmospheric prebiotic molecules on planets in habitable areas, where temperatures are appropriate to maintain water. liquid form instead of frozen or evaporated.

Swain said: 'These analyzes are an important step in the ultimate goal of determining conditions such as temperature, pressure, wind, clouds . and chemicals on living planets. Infrared spectrometer is really the key to these works because it is best suited for tracing molecules. '

The paper ' Methane that exists in the extrasolar atmosphere ' by Mark Swain, Gautam Vasisht and Giovanna Tinetti is published in the March 20 issue of Nature.

(Photo: NASA)