Finally: Astronomers solve the mystery of how the key element for life came to earth

The element in question is found in everything from humans to the smallest forms of life, and they are essential to creating all living things as we know them.

But the question of how phosphorus came to earth remains a real mystery. The path that helped create life has remained unexplored, writes Independent, translates Periscope.

But astronomers have already traced it through space, watching it move from star-forming areas to comets.

The newly published research shows the way molecules containing phosphorus form, and how they may have been central to starting life on Earth.

“Life on earth appeared 4 billion years ago, but we still don't know the processes that made this possible,” said Victoria Rivillea, the lead author of this study.

These observations allowed scientists to see that molecules [holding phosphorous] are born until the stars themselves form. /Periscope