Elusive molecule, first in Universe, detected in space(phys.org)
phys.org
Elusive molecule, first in Universe, detected in space
https://phys.org/news/2019-04-elusive-molecule-universe-space.html
8 comments
Why HeH+? What about good ol' H2?
Apparently the universe was too hot for electrons to combine with atomic nuclei at first, so everything was a plasma.
As it cooled, He grabbed up electrons first, forming the first neutral atoms while H+ was still a plasma.
So there was a lot of He and H+ bouncing around at high temperature, allowing the first molecules to form as [He-H]+.
As it cooled, He grabbed up electrons first, forming the first neutral atoms while H+ was still a plasma.
So there was a lot of He and H+ bouncing around at high temperature, allowing the first molecules to form as [He-H]+.
Yep. He has a higher ionization energy than H.
My question as well. I wonder if they're not counting H2 because it's only one element.
Edit: check out the replies to this coming in another thread on the story: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19693647
Edit: check out the replies to this coming in another thread on the story: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19693647
I find somewhat interesting the contrast of what the HN community consider being worth to mention. Like between manned moon base plans and a cosmology related discovery we have the rumor of hiding Instagram likes.