Astronomers Detect Raspberry Sugar Molecule Near Milky Way's Center

A team of Spanish astronomers has made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying a complex sugar molecule, erythritol, naturally forming in interstellar space near the center of the Milky Way. The research, published recently in Nature Astronomy, reports the unambiguous detection of erythritol, a sugar found in raspberries and some fruits, within the molecular cloud G+0.693−0.027, located close to the galactic core. This marks the first time this type of sugar has been observed in the interstellar medium.

Using radio telescopes in Spain, the researchers found erythritol molecules composed of four carbon atoms, despite not detecting simpler sugars as previously expected. Dr. Isacon Jiménez-Serra from the Center for Astrobiology in Madrid, who led the study, described the finding as unexpected and significant, demonstrating that relatively complex sugars can form in space before star and planet formation, likely on frozen dust grains.

Beyond its scientific importance, erythritol is currently used in the cosmetics industry for self-tanning products, highlighting potential new avenues for research. Dr. Carlos Briones, a co-author of the study, emphasized the excitement around this discovery as it opens the door to finding other sugars in space, such as ribose, a component of RNA, and other vital molecules. This discovery provides strong evidence that complex chemistry occurs even under the extreme conditions of interstellar space.