NASA's Spitzer Finds Solid Buckyballs in Space
NASA's Spitzer Space
Telescope has detected the solid form of buckyballs in space for the
first time. To form a solid particle, the buckyballs must stack
together, as illustrated in this artist's concept showing the very
beginnings of the process. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech › Full image and caption
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February 22, 2012
PASADENA, Calif. -- Astronomers using data from NASA's Spitzer Space
Telescope have, for the first time, discovered buckyballs in a solid
form in space. Prior to this discovery, the microscopic carbon spheres
had been found only in gas form in the cosmos.Formally named buckministerfullerene, buckyballs are named after their resemblance to the late architect Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes. They are made up of 60 carbon atoms arranged into a hollow sphere, like a soccer ball. Their unusual structure makes them ideal candidates for electrical and chemical applications on Earth, including superconducting materials, medicines, water purification and armor.
MORE: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2012-047&cid=release_2012-047&msource=12047&tr=y&auid=10332024
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