Using Spitzer, scientists have detected organic molecules in galaxies viewed as they were when our universe was one-fourth of its current age of about 14 billion years. These large molecules, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are comprised of carbon and hydrogen. These molecules are among the most stable hydrocarbons. PAH molecules are very common on Earth. They form any time carbon-based materials are not burned completely. They can be found in sooty exhaust from cars and airplanes, and in charcoal broiled hamburgers and burnt toast. PAHs are one of the major forms of carbon in the space between the stars, widely observed by astronomers within our own galaxy. The Spitzer Space Telescope is an infrared observatory in a solar (heliocentric) orbit parallel to the Earth’s orbit. It takes advantage of its location in space to look at portions of the infrared spectrum that are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere. It also operates at a very low temperature, reducing background
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