New discoveries in the G+0.693-0.027 molecular cloud: Discovery of new O-, N- and S-bearing species
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in new interstellar discoveries within the field of astrochemistry. In particular, the Galactic center molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027 (hereafter G+0.693) is recognized among the most relevant "astronomical mines" based on the detection of nearly 20 new interstellar molecules. Herein, we will present several of the latest discoveries, based on the superb sensitivity of an unbiased, ultradeep spectral survey carried out with the Yebes 40 m and IRAM 30 m telescopes toward G+0.693. Among these new detections we find carbonic acid (HOCOOH), the first interstellar molecule containing three oxygen atoms and the third carboxylic acid detected in the interstellar medium (ISM) to date, glycolamide, the first interstellar glycine isomer, and several S-bearing species such as thionylimide (HNSO) and protonated carbonyl sulfide (HOCS+). Overall, these new findings shed light on the actual levels of interstellar chemical complexity and pave the way for further integrated efforts across observations, theory, and laboratory research.