Artist Impression of the Protoplanetary Disc Surrounding the Young Star MWC 480 (IMAGE)

ESO

Artist Impression of the Protoplanetary Disc Surrounding the Young Star MWC 480

Caption

This is an artist impression of the protoplanetary disc surrounding the young star MWC 480. ALMA has detected the complex organic molecule methyl cyanide in the outer reaches of the disc in the region where comets are believed to form. This is another indication that complex organic chemistry, and potentially the conditions necessary for life, is universal.

Credit

B. Saxton (NRAO/AUI/NSF)

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