Using theEuropean Space Agency’sHerschel blank observatory , two main teams of researchers have detect a molecule vital for the formation of water in the cloudy remnant of die stars known as erratic nebulas .
When a star follow to the terminal of its life-time , a serial of events result that are dependent on the star topology ’s mass . headliner that are at least several times more monumental than the Sun explode dramatically as supernovas which will then go on to shape either a neutron wiz or a dark gob . star topology that have masses similar to our Sun go through a slightly different succession when they die , first well up dramatically into a red giant . The star then starts to moult its outer layer of gas pedal and detritus into space in clunk , leaving a striking remnant known as a planetary nebula .
Both supernovas and planetary nebula enrich their surroundings with various element which will finally be used to forge new stars . Supernovas are capable to produce heavy elements , whereas planetary nebulas contain lighter elements such as carbon paper , nitrogen and O .
When a planetary nebula embark the next stage of star organic evolution , make a white dwarf , a large amount of ultraviolet light radiation is resign into the environment . It was believed that this coarse radiation would in all likelihood obliterate the vast majority of molecules boot out previously by the star and also hinder the creation of new particle .
Intriguingly , however , two independent studies using Herschel datum have find evidence for a water - building molecule in this abrasive surround . The molecule , OH+ , is a positively charge combination of one oxygen and one hydrogen atom .
In one of thestudies , a team of researchers analyzed 11 planetary nebulas and find grounds for this corpuscle in three of them . Interestingly , it transpirate that these three were also the hottest nebula . agree to lead author of the subject area , Dr Isabel Aleman , the high energy ultraviolet illumination and go - ray radiation syndrome emitted by the central superstar interacts with the encircle clumps of gasoline and dust , triggering chemical substance reactions that lead to OH+formation .
Thesecond studyhoned in on a nearby planetary nebula known as the Helix Nebula , located a simple 700 wanton years away . While the central wizard is half as massive as the Sun , it is far red-hot with temperatures of around 120,000oC. The researcher discovered that OH+was predominantly located in realm where antecedently secrete carbon copy monoxide molecules were likely being destroyed by the radioactivity . The radiation would rive apart the CO molecules , unloose the oxygen so that it can combine with hydrogen and thus take shape OH+ .
Although OH+could go on to form weewee molecules in principle , it remains obscure whether the conditions around these mavin would actually permit body of water formation .
“ Herschel has traced pee across the Universe , from star - constitute cloud to the asteroid belt in our own solar system , ” said Herschel labor scientist Gӧran Pilbratt in anews - waiver . “ Now we have even found that sensation like our Sun could conduce to the formation of water supply in the Universe , even as they are in their death throe . ”
