molecule oxygen detected in outer space

Astronomers have successfully detected molecular oxygen in space, precisely in the Orion Nebula. The discovery is successful with the Herschel Space Observatory, a mission run by the European Space Agency (ESA) using infrared technology.

Before this discovery, Sweden's Odin telescope ever found a molecule of oxygen was allegedly confirmed in 2007. With this discovery, the existence of molecules vital for life is increasingly becoming a puzzle.

"Oxygen gas was discovered in the 1770s, but it took more than 230 years to be able to say that the truth of this simple molecule is also found in outer space," says Paul Goldsmith, project researchers Herschel.

According to Goldsmith, the oxygen found in outer space was hidden in the ice particles that encloses space dust. The number of molecules of oxygen increased if there is heat received by the molecules of ice, causing water to decompose into oxygen and hydrogen.

The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal shows, the search of oxygen is far from over. The origins of molecular oxygen is still a puzzle for researchers. And they will continue to use Herschel to find the answer.

Goldsmith said that in theory there should be many oxygen atoms are locked in a molecule of oxygen, but not so found. "We did not find large quantities of it and still do not understand the privilege of a place where we find it. Universe still keeps many mysteries," says Goldsmith.                   < jp>