Astronomers have discovered precious molecules while observing two distant galaxies, which have important implications for revealing the ancient process of star formation. According to the researchers' conclusions, the stars in these two galaxies are forming at an astonishing rate, even faster than our own Milky Way.
More interestingly, 13 different types of molecules, including carbon monoxide, carbon sulfide, cyano radicals, formyl cations, hydrogen cyanide, hydrogen isocyanide, nitric oxide, and water, have been found in these two galaxies. These molecules provide important clues to the material and conditions under which stars are formed.
The research team at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has detected five molecules that have never been seen before in the early universe, including cyclopropyl groups, dinitrogen cations, acetylenyl radicals, hydrated ions and methyl radicals. This discovery demonstrates the complexity and diversity of organic chemistry in the early universe, providing new ideas for understanding the origin and evolution of life.
Researchers believe that the presence of these molecules not only provides important clues about star formation, but also provides new insights into the chemical evolution and diversity of the universe.
Upon closer study, scientists have found that the two galaxies have a very high star formation rate, reaching 3,000 solar masses per year and 1,500 solar masses per year, respectively, compared to the Milky Way's star formation rate of only 1 to 2 solar masses per year.
This suggests that these galaxies are extremely efficient in star formation, and that they can deplete gas reserves in a short period of time. With this in mind, the researchers believe that the star-forming activity of these galaxies is likely to be intermittent rather than continuous, as they need to constantly absorb new gas from the surrounding interstellar medium to sustain star formation.
This also suggests that these galaxies provide an important case for the study of star formation and chemical evolution in the universe, helping to shed light on the processes of matter and chemical evolution in the universe.