Scientists solve the cosmic mystery of missing sulfur in deep space

Published: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 8:07 pm

Scientists Uncover the Cosmic Whereabouts of Missing Sulfur

A new international study has shed light on a long-standing mystery in space chemistry: the whereabouts of missing sulfur. Despite being the tenth most abundant element in the universe, sulfur appears to be significantly less prevalent in deep space than theoretical models predict. This scarcity has puzzled scientists for years, hindering our understanding of planet formation and the potential for life beyond Earth.

Researchers from multiple universities collaborated on the study, publishing their findings in *Nature Communications*. Their research suggests that the missing sulfur isn't truly missing, but rather, it's locked away in solid forms, bound within interstellar ice grains. In the frigid environments of space, sulfur atoms can form into structures like octasulfur crowns and polysulfanes, which then adhere to icy dust particles. This process effectively hides the sulfur from detection by traditional methods.

Astronomers typically identify elements in space by analyzing the light they emit or absorb. However, sulfur's behavior doesn't align with these methods, making it difficult to track. The new research identifies specific, stable molecular forms of sulfur that astronomers can now target using advanced radio telescopes.

The researchers recreated the conditions of deep space in laboratory experiments, confirming that these sulfur compounds can indeed form on icy surfaces. They also found that when these icy grains are heated, such as in young star systems, the sulfur can transform from a solid directly into a gas, making it detectable from Earth.

This discovery could revolutionize our understanding of how planets form and how essential elements are distributed throughout the cosmos. It may also improve models of planetary atmospheres, particularly for exoplanets, where sulfur chemistry can influence habitability. Furthermore, the ability to detect hidden sulfur reservoirs could refine our understanding of the chemical evolution of galaxies and the transport of life-supporting compounds from star-forming regions to young planets.

BNN's Perspective: This research is a significant step forward in understanding the complex chemistry of space. While the findings are highly technical, the implications are profound. The ability to locate and track sulfur in interstellar space could provide valuable insights into the origins of planets and the potential for life beyond Earth. This study highlights the importance of international collaboration and innovative research in advancing our knowledge of the universe.

Keywords: sulfur, space, astrochemistry, interstellar ice, planet formation, exoplanets, molecular clouds, galaxies, elements, James Webb Space Telescope, radio telescopes, octasulfur, polysulfanes, cosmic mystery, science, research

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