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    Notes to editors
    HIFI is the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared spectrometer on the Herschel Space Observatory. It was designed to observe water in a wide variety of objects, and aims to study not only planet-forming discs and star formation, but also galactic evolution. Its capability for highly detailed chemical identification of individual atoms and molecules makes it the instrument of choice for studying chemistry throughout space, particularly around embryonic and dying stars.

    Related publications
    M. Hogerheijde, et al., "Detection of the Water Reservoir in a Forming Planetary System", 2011, Science, Vol. 334 no. 6054 pp. 338-340. DOI: 10.1126/science.1208931

    05 Oct 2011 - Herschel finds first evidence of Earth-like water in a comet

    Contacts

    Markus Bauer
    ESA Science and Robotic Exploration Communication Officer
    Email: markus.bauer@esa.int
    Tel: +31 71 565 6799
    Mob: +31 61 594 3 954

    Michiel Hogerheijde
    Leiden Observatory
    Tel: +31 71 527 5590
    Email: michiel@strw.leidenuniv.nl

    Göran Pilbratt
    ESA Herschel Project Scientist
    Tel: +31 71 565 3621
    Email: gpilbratt@rssd.esa.int

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    • Herschel: ESA's giant infrared observatory
    • More about
    • Herschel overview
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