Buckminsterfullerene (C60) was recently detected through its infrared emission bands in the interstellar medium (ISM), including in the proximity of massive stars, where physical conditions could favour the formation of the cationic form, C60+. In addition, C60+ was proposed as the carrier of two diffuse interstellar bands in the near-IR, although a firm identification still awaits for gas-phase spectroscopic data. We examined in details the Spitzer IRS spectra of the NGC 7023 reflection nebula, at a position close (7.5") to the illuminating B star HD 200775, and found four previously unreported bands at 6.4, 7.1, 8.2 and 10.5 µm in addition to the classical bands attributed to Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and neutral C60. These 4 bands are observed only in this region of the nebula, while C60 emission is still present slightly further away from the star, and PAH emission even further away. Based on this observation, on theoretical calculations we perform, and on laboratory studies, we attribute these bands to C60+. The detection of C60+ confirms the idea that large carbon molecules exist in the gas-phase in these environments. In addition, the relative variation of the C60, and C60+, band intensities constitutes a potentially powerful probe of the physical conditions in highly UV-irradiated regions.
The Spitzer Space Telescope has located some elusive carbon molecules floating in space. Called "Buckyballs," due to their resemblance to architect Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes, these three-dimensional, spherical structures are now the largest molecules known to exist in space, and until now, have escaped detection. Buckyballs hold unique properties in the physical and chemical processes of space .
Title: Detection of C60 in embedded young stellar objects, a Herbig Ae/Be star and an unusual post-AGB star Authors: Kyle R. G. Roberts, Keith T. Smith, Peter J. Sarre
The first detection of the C60 (Buckminsterfullerene) molecule in massive embedded young stellar objects (YSOs) is reported. Observations with Spitzer IRS reveal the presence of C60 in YSOs ISOGAL-P J174639.6-284126 and SSTGC 372630 in the Central Molecular Zone in the Galactic centre, and in a YSO candidate, 2MASS J06314796+0419381, in the Rosette nebula. The first detection of C60 in a Herbig Ae/Be star, HD 97300, is also reported. These observations extend the range of astrophysical environments in which C60 is found to YSOs and a pre-main sequence star. C60 excitation and formation mechanisms are discussed in the context of these results, together with its presence and processes in post-AGB objects such as HR 4049.
Buckminsterfullerene, also known as Bucklerballs is a spherical fullerene molecule with the formula C60. It was first prepared in 1985 by Harold Kroto, James Heath, Sean O'Brien, Robert Curl and Richard Smalley at Rice University Read more
Buckyballs, Largest Known Molecules, More Common in Space Than Thought
Observations made with NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope have provided surprises concerning the presence of buckminsterfullerenes, or "buckyballs," the largest known molecules in space. A study of R Coronae Borealis stars by David L. Lambert, Director of The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory, and colleagues shows that buckyballs are more common in space than previously thought. The research will appear in the March 10 issue of The Astrophysical Journal. Read more
Spitzer Goes Buck Wild and Finds Buckyballs Floating Between the Stars
Fresh after finding buckyballs around an aging star, NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope has now detected these intriguing, miniature-soccer-ball-shaped molecules in interstellar space for the first time. With these new results, the buckyball claims the record for the largest molecule ever discovered floating between the stars. The unique properties of buckyballs that have made these rounded particles such a hot area of research here on Earth also offer up some exciting possibilities for cosmic chemistry. Read more
Astronomers have discovered bucket loads of buckyballs in space. They used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to find the little carbon spheres throughout our Milky Way galaxy -- in the space between stars and around three dying stars. What's more, Spitzer detected buckyballs around a fourth dying star in a nearby galaxy in staggering quantities -- the equivalent in mass to about 15 of our moons. Read more