(Phys.org)—What sounds like science fiction is actually reality:
using the 30m-telescope of the Institute for Radio Astronomy for
astronomical observations in the millimetre range of
wavelengths, astronomers have detected, for the first time, the
interstellar molecule C3H+, in our galaxy. It belongs to the
hydrocarbon family and is thus part of major energy resources of
our planet, i.e. petroleum and natural gas. The discovery of
this molecule at the heart of the famous Horsehead Nebula in the
Constellation of Orion also confirms that this region is an
active cosmic refinery. The Horsehead Nebula, 1,300 light-years
from Earth, is located in the Orion constellation, which will
become more and more visible in the night skies over the next
few weeks. Due to its famous and easily-recognizable shapes
which gave the Nebula its name, is one of the most photographed
objects by astronomers. But the Horsehead Nebula is also a
fantastic interstellar chemistry lab, where high density gas and
intense stellar light continu