CNN —Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have detected commonplace chemical ingredients found in vinegar, ant stings and even margaritas around two young stars, according to NASA. The complex organic molecules they observed using the space observatory’s Mid-Infrared Instrument included acetic acid, a component of vinegar, and ethanol — otherwise known as alcohol. The team also found simple molecules of formic acid, which causes the burning sensation associated with ant stings, as well as sulfur dioxide, methane and formaldehyde. Stars form from swirling clouds of gas and dust, and the leftover material from star formation gives rise to planets. Detecting complex organic molecules in space is helping astronomers to determine the molecules’ origins as well as those of other larger cosmic molecules.

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Persons: James Webb, Carl Sagan, “, Webb, detections, ”, Will Rocha, Young, Ewine van Dishoeck, Harold Linnartz, Linnartz, “ Harold, ” van Dishoeck Organizations: CNN —, NASA, ESA, Hustak, Leiden University, Astrophysics, Leiden Laboratory Locations: astrochemistry, Netherlands, ices