News

More cyanopyrenes in TMC-1!

We detected all three cyanopyrene isomers in the cold dark cloud TMC-1. Their observed abundance ratio of ~2:1:2 reflects the available carbon sites for CN addition to pyrene. We discuss this further in our recent article appearing in Nature Astronomy today.

Schadstoffe im fast leeren Raum

The German newspaper Die Zeit featured our detection of interstellar 1-cyanopyrene. Read along for Sibylle Anderl’s take on PAHs in space: Bestimmte kohlenstoffhaltige Moleküle vergiften die irdische Umwelt - und kommen in überraschend großen Mengen im All vor.…

Scientists discover molecules that store much of the carbon in space

A team led by researchers at MIT has discovered that a distant interstellar cloud contains an abundance of pyrene, a type of large, carbon-containing molecule known as a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The discovery of pyrene in this far-off cloud, which is…

CfA features 1-cyanopyrene detection

The element carbon is a building block for life, both on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the vast reaches of space. There should be a lot of carbon in space, but surprisingly, it’s not always easy to find. While it can be observed in many places, it doesn’t add up…

Postdoctoral Researcher Spotlight

Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. Gabi Wenzel describes her research and answers 20 random questions. Originally from Germany, Gabi Wenzel arrived at MIT in October 22. She completed her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Germany, majoring in Physics for both. Gabi earned her…

2-methoxyethanol is our new space molecule!

New research from the group of MIT Professor Brett McGuire has revealed the presence of a previously unknown molecule in space. The team’s open-access paper, “Rotational Spectrum and First Interstellar Detection of 2-Methoxyethanol Using ALMA Observations of NGC…

School of Science announces 2024 Infinite Expansion Awards

Nine postdocs and research scientists honored for contributions to the Institute. The MIT School of Science has announced nine postdocs and research scientists as recipients of the 2024 Infinite Expansion Award, which highlights extraordinary members of the MIT…