News Chemistry

The first type of molecule to form in the universe has been seen in space

Not long after the Big Bang, chemistry as we know it took its first baby steps

helium hyrdide ion

CHEMICAL RELIC  The elusive helium hydride ion, thought to be the first type of molecule to form in the universe, has been found in the planetary nebula NGC 7027 (shown in infrared light in this Hubble image).

William B. Latter/SIRTF Science Center/Caltech, NASA, ESA

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

Helium hydride ions, thought to be the first type of molecule to form in the universe, have finally been spotted in space.