The HIFI spectrum of the Orion Nebula, superimposed on a Spitzer image of Orion. A characteristic feature is the spectral richness: among the organic molecules identified in this spectrum are water, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, methanol, dimethyl ether, hydrogen cyanide, sulphur oxide, sulphur dioxide and their isotope analogues. It is expected that new molecules will also be identified. This spectrum is the first glimpse at the spectral richness of regions of star and planet formation. It harbors the promise of a deep understanding of the chemistry of space once the complete spectral surveys are available.
Image credit: ESA, HEXOS and the HIFI consortium
Notes: HIFI stands for Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared, an instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory. For more information, see Herschel-HIFI Unveils Precursors of Life-Enabling Molecules in Orion Nebula.
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