Scientists detect sugar molecule in interstellar space

For the first time, scientists found sugar in interstellar space. The discovery offers clues to the origins of life on Earth.

For the first time, astronomers have detected sugar molecules (erythrulose, to be precise) in deep space, floating near the center of our galaxy. It adds to the evidence for complex prebiotic carbon chemistry in interstellar clouds, even before planets form. 🧪🔭 cen.acs.org/physical-che...

Astro Alexandra Scientists found complex sugar in the interstellar medium near the center of our galaxy!

Astronomers Detect Sugar in Interstellar Space for the First Time gizmodo.com/astronomers-...

"Our discovery demonstrates that relatively complex sugars can already be synthesised in interstellar space, before stars and planets are born"

Scientists have found sugar in the space between stars, providing tantalizing clues into how life may have arisen on Earth. The discovery eluded scientists for decades. So I asked what's obviously the most important question: What does it taste like? www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...

Mmmm, Milky Way... Explore this gift article from The New York Times. You can read it for free without a subscription. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...

For the first time, scientists have spotted sugar in interstellar space, providing an important clue about the origins of sugar on Earth and possibly the rise of life, according to a new paper published on Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...

A Sweet Surprise: Scientists Find Sugar Deep in Our Galaxy www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...

Erythrulose, which has four carbon atoms, is the most complex sugar spotted beyond our Solar System.... www.nature.com/articles/s41...

Fascinating... Erythrulose, a sugar in raspberries, appears to be present in nebula near the center of the Milky Way. www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...

Giant clouds of Skittles have NOT been found in space. No, not M&Ms either. No, not gummy bears either. Those are all on the Candy Planet circling Alpha Centauri. Their introduction here is part of an ET plot.

Astronomers find evidence of sugar in interstellar #space #astronomy apnews.com/article/eryt...

Of course the Milky Way has sugar, it’s a chocolate bar! 🍫

Next week they're gonna discover sucralose in deep space, which will demonstrate the probability of Monster White Energy Drink In Deep Space www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/s...