What if everything we thought we knew about how life’s building blocks form in space was wrong? That’s the startling question astrochemist Julia Santos forced the scientific community to confront. For two decades, a theory about how methanol, a key ingredient for organic molecules, forms in space went unchallenged. But Santos, during her PhD research, uncovered a surprising new mechanism, shaking the very foundations of astrochemistry.
Santos, driven by a curiosity about the cosmic origins of planets, delves into the intricate world of space chemistry. “Imagine a planet,” she explains, “its core, mantle, surface, and atmosphere – all born from a precise dance of atoms. My passion lies in deciphering how these elemental building blocks are scattered across the universe. Is Earth’s chemical recipe unique, or do other stars cradle similar potential for life?”
Understanding the Cradle of Planets:
The birth of a star is a chaotic yet beautiful event, surrounded by a swirling nebula of gas and dust. This cosmic nursery holds the raw materials for planets, moons, and asteroids. Yet, the exact chemical journey from dust speck to planet remains shrouded in mystery. Santos sheds light on the initial steps of this transformative process.
“How do simple molecules evolve into complex ones?” Santos ponders. “What are the birth and death cycles of these molecules, and in what state do they exist? These are the questions that fuel my research. During my PhD, I focused on dust grains and the icy coatings they accumulate, as these environments foster the perfect conditions for chemical reactions to flourish.”
Bringing Space to Earth:
Santos primarily conducts her investigations through meticulous lab experiments. “While we can send probes to comets within our solar system,” she notes, “exploring the distant reaches of interstellar space is beyond our current capabilities. Therefore, we recreate the extreme conditions of space – the frigid temperatures and near-vacuum pressures – right here on Earth.” Her research encompasses a diverse range of approaches, from hands-on laboratory experiments to theoretical chemical studies and observational data analysis. “This variety keeps me engaged,” she admits with a smile, “though there’s something particularly satisfying about conducting experiments firsthand.”
Challenging a Long-Held Belief:
Even during her Master’s studies, Santos demonstrated her prowess by publishing several peer-reviewed papers, two of which she led as first author. However, her most groundbreaking discovery emerged during her PhD. “I explored numerous chemical reactions,” she explains, “but my focus was on methanol formation. While seemingly simple, methanol is considered complex in the context of space, serving as a crucial building block for more intricate organic molecules.”
For two decades, a particular theory dominated our understanding of methanol formation in space. Santos, however, challenged this established paradigm. “My research revealed a previously overlooked mechanism that plays a far more significant role,” she states. “Our findings, published in 2022, have already garnered support from subsequent observations and models. In astronomy, empirical evidence is our holy grail, so this validation was incredibly exciting!”
A Thriving Astrochemical Hub:
Santos credits the unique environment at Leiden University for her success. “Leiden boasts exceptional facilities and expertise that are rare to find elsewhere,” she says. “Astrochemistry is inherently multidisciplinary, drawing upon geology, engineering, astronomy, and chemistry. Leiden’s comprehensive resources provided a fertile ground for my research and enriched my understanding of the field.”
Her journey wasn’t without challenges. “The sudden passing of my supervisor, Harold Linnartz, was a difficult period,” she recalls. “Shortly after, we had to relocate the lab, which halted my experiments for a significant portion of my PhD. Fortunately, Ewine van Dishoeck welcomed me into her research group, providing invaluable support during this transition.”
Now, Santos continues her groundbreaking research at Harvard University, supported by the prestigious 51 Pegasi b Fellowship. Her work not only challenges established theories but also opens up exciting new avenues for exploring the origins of life in the universe.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Santos’ discovery raises intriguing questions. Does this new mechanism for methanol formation suggest that the ingredients for life are more widespread than we previously thought? Could this mean that Earth’s existence is less of a cosmic anomaly and more of a common occurrence? We invite you to share your thoughts and engage in this fascinating discussion in the comments below.