Two new cometary molecules.Two new cometary molecules French astronomers report finding both hydrogen sulfide hydrogen sulfide, chemical compound, H2S, a colorless, extremely poisonous gas that has a very disagreeable odor, much like that of rotten eggs. It is slightly soluble in water and is soluble in carbon disulfide. ([H.sub.2]S) and methanol (C[H.sub.3]OH) in comets Austin and Levy -- molecules not detected previously in comets. Jacques Crovisier of the Paris-Meudon Observatory and his co-workers discovered the new cometary ingredients during their spectroscopic analysis spectroscopic analysis n. Analysis of a spectrum to determine characteristics of its source; for example, analysis of the optical spectrum of an incandescent body to determine its composition or motion. Noun 1. of the comets' microwave emissions, detected using the 30-meter radiotelescope at the Institut de Radioastronomie Milimetrique at Pico Veleta veleta Noun same as valeta in Spain. Crovisier's group notes that methanol and hydrogen sulfide solidity so·lid·i·ty n. 1. The condition or property of being solid. 2. Soundness of mind, moral character, or finances. Noun 1. in space only at very frigid temperatures -- below 100 kelvins and 60 kelvins, respectively. They say the presence of these molecules suggests the comets formed in the solar system's cold, outer reaches -- beyond Uranus and Neptune. |
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