Detection of Buckminsterfullerene emission in the diffuse interstellar medium
Astronomy and Astrophysics
|September 5, 2017
Summary
Scientists detected neutral buckminsterfullerene (C60) in space, confirming its presence in the diffuse interstellar medium. This fullerene is less abundant in diffuse regions than in star-forming areas, suggesting C60 forms in these regions.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Astrophysics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Fullerenes, specifically buckminsterfullerene (C60), have been detected in space.
- Previous studies suggested the buckminsterfullerene cation ([C60]+) is present in the diffuse interstellar medium (ISM).
- Laboratory data supports the attribution of certain diffuse interstellar bands to [C60]+.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect neutral C60 in the diffuse interstellar medium.
- To investigate the abundance and charge state of C60 in space.
- To explore the formation pathways of C60 in star-forming regions.
Main Methods:
- Astronomical observations detecting infrared vibrational bands.
- Analysis of emission bands at 17.4 and 18.9 micrometers.
- Comparison of observed abundances with theoretical models of molecular charge states.
Main Results:
- Detection of the 17.4 and 18.9 micrometer emission bands attributed to neutral C60 in the diffuse ISM.
- Observed abundances of diffuse C60 align with predictions for neutral molecules in the ISM.
- C60 is less abundant in the diffuse ISM compared to star-forming regions.
Conclusions:
- Neutral C60 is confirmed to exist in the diffuse interstellar medium.
- The findings support classical models of molecular charge states in space.
- The lower abundance of C60 in diffuse regions suggests its formation occurs in star-forming environments.
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