Most ancient type of molecule in universe detected in space

[JacksinPA]

Most ancient type of molecule in universe detected in space | Science | The Guardian

Helium hydride is thought to have played starring role in early universe

The most ancient type of molecule in our universe has been detected in space, scientists have revealed, backing up theories of how the early chemistry of the universe developed after the big bang.

The positively charged molecule known as helium hydride is believed to have played a starring role in the early universe, forming when a helium atom shared its electrons with a hydrogen nucleus, or proton. Not only is it thought to be the first molecular bond, and first chemical compound, to have appeared as the universe cooled after the big bang, but it also opened up the path to the formation of molecules of hydrogen.
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Intereasting find. First time I've heard of this compound.

 

[Xelor]

Most ancient type of molecule in universe detected in space | Science | The Guardian

Helium hydride is thought to have played starring role in early universe

The most ancient type of molecule in our universe has been detected in space, scientists have revealed, backing up theories of how the early chemistry of the universe developed after the big bang.

The positively charged molecule known as helium hydride is believed to have played a starring role in the early universe, forming when a helium atom shared its electrons with a hydrogen nucleus, or proton. Not only is it thought to be the first molecular bond, and first chemical compound, to have appeared as the universe cooled after the big bang, but it also opened up the path to the formation of molecules of hydrogen.
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Intereasting find. First time I've heard of this compound.

I hadn't heard of it either; however, looking to see how it occurs in nature, I learned that it's formed during the decay of tritium (H-3). So presumably there's some helium hydride floating around in my house (or inside a watch case)...Not that I've noticed it (LOL).

Tritium is something I've heard of because a few watches I own have H-3 lume on the dial and hands. In one case, it's what's left of the tritium because the watch is so old. In the others, there's plenty of H-3 still there "shining light" on the time of day.