The Challenge of Detecting Pyrene and the Use of ‘Tracer’ Molecules

Directly identifying PAHs like pyrene in space is incredibly difficult due to their weak radio signals. Pyrene itself is essentially “invisible” to radio telescopes, which limits scientists’ ability to detect it through traditional methods. To overcome this, the researchers used a related compound, 1-cyanopyrene, as a “tracer.” This molecule forms when pyrene interacts with cyanide, a molecule that is relatively abundant in space and easily detected by radio telescopes. Unlike pyrene, 1-cyanopyrene emits radio waves that can be picked up by telescopes, acting as a kind of “radio beacon” for its parent molecule.