First detection of the simplest organic acid in the protoplanetary disk surrounding a Sun-like young star

The formation of planets and the origin of life are among the most intriguing questions for mankind. Using ALMA, an international group of astronomers, including researchers from the Institut de Planétologie et d’Astrophysique de Grenoble (IPAG/OSUG, UGA/CNRS) [1], have reported the first detection of formic acid towards the TW Hydrae protoplanetary disk, located at only 190 light years from our Sun. This result has been published the 16th july 2018 in Astrophysical journal letters.

Our current understanding is that the crucial phase of planetary formation occurs within the so-called protoplanetary disks that are analogs of the birth site of our own Solar System. As a matter of fact, the chemical composition of these disks shape the properties of emerging planets along with their primitive atmospheres, as well as the composition of comets and asteroids. In the context of an Interstellar-Earth connection, and in particular the early Earth bombardment by the small bodies of the Solar System (comets and asteroids), it is noteworthy that prebiotic molecules, that might have made possible the appearance of life on Earth, were likely already present in the protoplanetary disk.

Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA; Chile), an international group of astronomers have reported the first detection of formic acid, HCOOH, towards the TW Hydrae protoplanetary disk located at only 190 light years from our Sun.

Formic acid, whose name derives from its abundant presence in terrestrial ants, is the simplest acid. “The latter contains a carboxylic group (-COOH), which stands as the basis for synthesis of more complex carboxylic and amino acids used by life on Earth”, said study lead author Dr. Cécile Favre. More specifically, this species is involved in a chemical route leading to glycine, the simplest amino acid, the basis of many proteins.