Scientists working with the Rosetta probe have discovered oxygen molecules on a comet pre-dating our solar system, possibly changing current scientific beliefs, according to the Guardian. The 67P comet, currently being investigated using the Rosetta probe, was found to have oxygen in the gas cloud surrounding it.
This is a particularly exciting find, specifically because it was long thought to be impossible for free oxygen to survive in space for billions of years. So this find could very well change scientific views on - not only space - but also the origins of our solar system.
"This evidence of oxygen as an ancient substance will likely discredit some theoretical models of the formation of our solar system," said Kathrin Altwegg, one of the scientists researching the comet.
Researchers can't quite agree on the origins of the oxygen molecules, with some saying that the comet's oxygen is actually remnants from its formation billions of years ago, according to Nature.
The oxygen readings were picked up by the ROSINA, a mass spectrometer held aboard the Rosetta.
In order to ensure the readings were not false, the team studying the comet decided to measure the oxygen readings from different distances, according to RT.
