Astronomers have discovered complex hydrocarbon molecules in the disk surrounding a young star, following the collapse of the disk’s inner wall—a dense ring of dust and gas that once acted as a barrier against intense stellar radiation. The breakdown of this inner structure allowed ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the star to reach previously shielded regions of the disk, fundamentally altering its chemistry. Using advanced radio and infrared observations, scientists detected large carbon-based molecules, indicating that the disk has become a chemically active environment. These hydrocarbons are considered key precursors…
Read MoreAstronomers studied polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the star’s spectrum
