Discovery of the First Known Molecule in Space Found Year: 2012
Discoverer: Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)
Location: Not specified
In 2012, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) achieved a significant milestone by discovering the first known type of molecule to form in the universe. After years of extensive research, scientists successfully detected its signal within our galaxy using SOFIA, the world's largest airborne observatory.
This groundbreaking discovery sheds light on the early chemical processes that occurred in the universe, providing valuable information about the conditions that led to the formation of stars and galaxies. The identification of this primordial molecule enhances our understanding of cosmic evolution and the fundamental building blocks of matter.
The First Molecule Type in the Universe In the early universe, the composition was likely limited to a relatively small number of distinct types of atoms. Approximately 100,000 years after the Big Bang, it is believed that helium and hydrogen began to interact, leading to the formation of a chemical compound known as helium hydride (HeH⁺). This molecule is significant because it represents one of the first instances of molecular formation in the cosmos.
Despite its importance, helium hydride has never been directly observed in space, even though theoretical models suggest that it should exist in certain regions of the universe today. The absence of detectable helium hydride raises intriguing questions about the conditions in the early universe and the processes that governed molecular formation. Researchers continue to explore the potential existence of this molecule in various cosmic environments, utilizing advanced observational techniques to search for its spectral signatures.
