Unresolved Questions About the Origins of Life
![Organic molecules detected in space](../../../../../../../../../figures.boundless-cdn.com/14023/full/ssc2003-06g.jpeg)
Organic molecules detected in space
NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has lifted the cosmic veil to see an otherwise hidden newborn star, while detecting the presence of water and carbon dioxide ices, as well as organic molecules. The Spitzer image (inset) was obtained with the infrared array camera. The primary image shows a spectrum obtained with Spitzer's infrared spectrograph instrument, stretching from wavelengths of 5.5 microns to 20 microns. Spectra are graphical representations of a celestial object's unique blend of light. Characteristic patterns, or fingerprints, within the spectra allow astronomers to identify the object's chemical composition.
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