Detect abnormal substances in the universe

Thanks to NASA's Spitzer telescope, astronomers have discovered in space space fullerenes or solid-state carbon atoms that were previously found only in gases.

Fulleren molecular model.

Fulleren is a family of carbon atoms, creating spherical molecules, so named to commemorate the American architect Richard Fuller designed an arch space at Expo-1967 Exhibition in Canada. This identical molecular shape.

Later research on them gave three chemists Robert F. Curl (USA), Harold W. Kroto (England) and Richard F. Smalley the Nobel Prize in 1996.

It is this unusual atomic network of fullerenes that has made them particularly interested by technicians and found many of their applications in chemistry, electricity, as well as in the manufacture of super materials. instructions, pharmaceuticals, water purification and fillers for unique application materials, NASA's announcement said.