Scientists have found hydrogen cyanide a key molecule in the creation of life

• In the oceans of Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus,Scientists have found hydrogen cyanide a key molecule in the creation of life according to a new study based on data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Cassini spacecraft.

About Hydrogen cyanide

• It is a colorless or pale-blue liquid or gas with a bitter, almond-like odor.
• It is also known as hydrocyanic acid or HCN.
• Hydrogen cyanide interferes with the body’s use of oxygen and may cause harm to the brain, heart, blood vessels, and lungs.
• It is an excellent solvent for many salts, but it is not widely used as a solvent because of its toxicity.
• Application: It may be used in the workplace for fumigation, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesis, and the production of synthetic fibers, plastics, dyes, and pesticides.

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Key facts about the Cassini spacecraft

• The mission was launched by NASA in 1997 and orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017, circling the planet 294 times.
• It measured the structure of Saturn’s atmosphere and rings, as well as how they interact with the planet’s moons.
• It also discovered six named moons and revealed Enceladus and Titan as promising locations to search for extraterrestrial life.

Published date : 20 Dec 2023 11:47AM