During this time of year, the Milky Way can be seen crossing the sky in a great arch, reaching the southern horizon. Along this path, there is a dark rift in the Milky Way that blocks out the light of the stars beyond it. This rift is composed of cold, dark dust and hydrogen, which serve as the raw materials for the formation of new stars and planets.

Unlike the dust we are familiar with on Earth, cosmic dust is formed from the material expelled by aging giant stars, containing elements other than hydrogen and helium. These elements can combine to form particles, some of which can grow into much larger bodies like planets. In the absence of temperature in space, the temperature of the dust particles depends on the balance between the energy they receive, mainly from starlight, and how efficiently they radiate this energy.

Fluffy dust particles in space have a unique ability to efficiently radiate off the energy they receive, making them very cold. These particles are also well suited for the formation of complex organic molecules. When atoms, such as carbon and oxygen, collide with the fluffy dust particles, they can stick together and eventually form molecules like carbon monoxide and methane.

In cosmic dust clouds, the building blocks of proteins, called amino acids, have been detected. Glycine, the simplest amino acid, has been found in these clouds. The formation of biologically important compounds, including larger amino acids, occurs on the surfaces of cold dust grains, where chemical reactions are stimulated by starlight.

Radio telescopes have detected numerous organic and other molecules in these dark dust clouds, many of which have not been identified yet. When new planets form, they acquire a supply of these biological precursors, which could potentially aid in the development of life if the conditions are suitable.

Observing the dark lanes along the Milky Way provides us with a glimpse into the formation of dust and organic molecules in space, giving us a better understanding of the building blocks of life in the universe.

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