Ethylene glycol in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)
Abstract
We report the detection of ethylene glycol (HOCH2CH2OH) in comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp) from the analysis of archival radio spectra. Its production rate is ≈ 0.25% that of water, making it one of the most abundant organic molecules in cometary ices. This detection strengthens the similarity between interstellar and cometary material.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- April 2004
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20040116
- Bibcode:
- 2004A&A...418L..35C
- Keywords:
-
- astrobiology;
- astrochemistry;
- comets: general;
- comets: individuals: C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp);
- radio lines: solar system;
- solar system: formation