Astronomers find huge alcohol cloud in Milky Way

Posted on Wednesday, April 05 2006 @ 3:55 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck

Astronomers report they have spotted a huge cloud of alcohol in the Milky Way that measures 463 billion kilometres across. They say this finding may shed light on how giant stars are formed from primordial gas.

The vast bridge-shaped cloud of methyl alcohol has been spotted in a region of our galaxy, the Milky Way, that is called W3(OH), where stars are being formed by the gravitational collapse of concentrations of gas and dust, the discoverers said in a press release.

Methanol, an organic (carbon-based) molecule, is a cousin of ethanol, which is found in alcoholic beverages.

More info at ABC News.

Methanol isn't drinkable, so this isn't really something for you all to get excited about

About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.

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