A.

Article source
New molecules around old stars. Astronomy. June 18 2014.
http://www.astronomy.com/news/2014/06/new-molecules-around-old-stars
B. Research summary
By using the Herschel Space Observatory at the European Space Agency,
astronomers have found a vital molecule for forming water that exists in the embers
of dying, Sun-like stars. Using the SPIRE at the observatory, astronomers used the
instruments different wavelengths to identify the molecule OH+, which is required
for creating water. The OH+ molecule was detected in planetary nebulae, making
the European Space Agencys Herschel Observatory the first to do so.
Planetary nebula is an intricate combination of dust and gas. When light to
middle weight stars begin to die, their cores start to become dense, ultimately
becoming a white dwarf. On the other hand, their outer layers separate into space,
becoming planetary nebulae. These nebulae are a bundle of essential nutrients
for a new star, comprising of elements such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. In two
studies, one led by Isabel Aleman at the University of Leiden and the other by
Mireya Etxaluze of the Instituto de Ciencia de los Materiales de Madrid, both proved
successful in locating the molecule OH+.
C. Research Results
The astronomers in the two studies have discovered that the positively
charged molecule OH+ is able to exist in planetary nebulae with harsh radiation. It
was previously assumed that the formation of new molecules, especially OH+, was
extremely difficult in these kinds of environments; however, this current study at
Herschel shows that the molecule seems to prefer this harsh environment, and
might even depend on it. A pattern also emerged from the findings, as the highest
quantity of OH+ existed in temperatures exceeding 100,000 degrees Celsius.
According to Isabel Aleman, the high temperature, X-ray and UV radiation of the
nearby white dwarf interacts with the nebulas gas and dust, triggering the chemical
reactions that are necessary to form new molecules.
Likewise, in the other study, similar results were found. Mireya Etxaluze found
that the highest concentrations of OH+ existed in areas with carbon monoxide.
Etxaluze believes that the strong UV radiation liberates oxygen atoms from carbon
monoxide, allowing it to interact with the neighbouring hydrogen atoms and
ultimately form OH+. Now, astronomers believe that stars similar to our Sun could
help the formation of water, even if they are on death row.
D. Significance
This is the first study that shows how planetary nebulae and white dwarfs
might play a crucial role in forming water, making it a significant discovery in

astronomy. Even though no evidence was given on whether or not water could
actually form in the given conditions, understanding another method of how
molecules and elements can be recycled in interstellar space is extremely
important. This discovery might pave the path for finding more galactic recycling
processes, perhaps ones with more complex molecule systems. Simply put, this
discovery is similar to finding another missing of a puzzle, since OH+ is directly a
part of water, the essential molecule for life.
E. Recommendation
I believe that our organization should offer funding for this project. First of all,
the researchers have proven that their current methodology is successful, since
they are the first to discover OH+ in planetary nebulae. The researchers were just
one hydrogen atom away from discovering water, the essence of biological life.
Perhaps, with further funding, these astronomers would be able to find liquid water.
Additionally, this discovery leads to an ocean of opportunity for discovering water.
Previously, astronomers believed that OH+ could not exist in planetary nebulae. For
example, astronomers might have overlooked and simply ignored planetary
systems in these areas before. Now, because it is proven that OH+ can exist in the
areas with planetary nebulae, its neighbouring planetary systems might be a top
candidate for discovering water.