A huge number of molecules have been discovered in the interstellar medium, most of them in the dense molecular clouds. Astronomers have discovered the first negatively charged molecule in space, identifying it from radio signals that were a mystery until now. While about 130 neutral and 14 positively charged molecules are known to exist in interstellar space, this is the first negative molecule, or anion, to be found.
The interstellar medium is all the gas and about 1% dust, that fills our Galaxy and others as well. It is important to understand its properties as stars eject this material when they die and these dust grains are what are supposed to collide and grow into terrestrial-like planets.
By learning more about the rich gumbo of chemicals found in interstellar space, astronomers hope to explain how the young Earth converted these basic ingredients into the essential chemicals for life. This new kind of molecule is important for life on earth, and what the researchers are saying this implies for life in the Galaxy (even though the argument may be weak). However, finding will help to advance scientists’ understanding the chemistry of the interstellar medium, and hence the birthplaces of planets.
This finding is dramatic evidence that our understanding of interstellar chemistry is still quite shaky. It also implies that more molecular anions, perhaps many, may now be found in the laboratory and in space.
Via: Spaceflightnow
