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Breakthrough Research Sheds Light on Early Cosmic Chemistry

8/4/2025

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Summary

Story summary

After the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, the universe cooled, allowing hydrogen and helium to emerge. The helium hydride ion (HeH+) played a pivotal role in the birth of stars. Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institut have now recreated its reaction with deuterium, shedding new light on early cosmic chemistry and reshaping our understanding of low-temperature reactions.

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Story summary

After the Big Bang 13.8 billion years ago, the universe cooled, allowing hydrogen and helium to emerge. The helium hydride ion (HeH+) played a pivotal role in the birth of stars. Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institut have now recreated its reaction with deuterium, shedding new light on early cosmic chemistry and reshaping our understanding of low-temperature reactions.