The constellation Chameleon lies near the southern celestial pole and can only be recognised far to the south. This constellation contains large molecular clouds of dust and gas. My photo taken in Namibia shows such clouds with bizarre structures. A recent study shows that complex molecules can form in these clouds without the presence of water. The dust particles in cosmic clouds carry carbon, ammonia and carbon monoxide on their cold surface. These are necessary for the formation of amino acids and amino acid chains (peptides). Even if the coldness of the cosmos prevents the formation of individual amino acids, carbon atoms can serve as a kind of molecular ‘glue’ and bond the molecules directly into chains of amino acids, thus transforming inorganic substances into organic ones.