Scientists have successfully recreated the formation of the first molecules in the universe, shedding new light on early star formation. By mimicking the conditions of the early universe, researchers discovered that helium hydride ions played a more significant role in chemistry than previously thought.
The discovery was made just after the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, when temperatures cooled enough for hydrogen and helium to form as the first elements. Hundreds of thousands of years later, these elements combined with electrons to create molecules, including the first ever molecule: helium hydride ion (HeH+). This ion is crucial in forming molecular hydrogen, which became the most abundant molecule in the universe.
The researchers found that reaction rates between helium hydride ions and other atoms remained unchanged even at low temperatures. This contradicts previous theories that predicted a significant decrease in reaction probability at lower temperatures.
This groundbreaking study challenges our understanding of early star formation and highlights the importance of helium hydride ions in the chemistry of the universe. The findings suggest that these ions were far more crucial to the development of stars than previously assumed, potentially affecting the speed and efficacy of early star formation.
The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the origin of stars and the universe as a whole. By studying the formation of these molecules, scientists can gain valuable insights into the early stages of the cosmos and shed new light on the mysteries of the universe.
Source: https://www.space.com/astronomy/scientists-just-recreated-the-universes-first-ever-molecules-and-the-results-challenge-our-understanding-of-the-early-cosmos