English

The Critical 9365 {\AA} Diffuse Interstellar Band and C$_{60}^{+}$ Association

Astrophysics of Galaxies 2025-09-11 v1

Abstract

The detection of interstellar C60+_{60}^{+} has been debated for 30 years. The contested attribution of a weaker DIB at 9365 {\AA} was re-evaluated here on the basis of a Pearson correlation relative to 9577 {\AA}, which was previously tied to C60+_{60}^{+} by diverse collaborations. An assessment of 11 sightlines revealed a high correlation amongst 9365-9577 {\AA} equivalent widths (r=0.93±0.05r=0.93 \pm 0.05), after contamination from an adjacent line was mitigated using both numerical integration and Gaussian fits. In tandem with a recent separate study's high-rr evaluation linking 9577-9632 {\AA} across a sizable baseline: three interrelated DIBs matching C60+_{60}^{+} laboratory findings were independently reaffirmed (9365, 9577, 9632 {\AA}). Yet further investigations are required to strengthen the case via two other weak DIBs disputedly linked to C60+_{60}^{+}, particularly owing to potential overlapping lines arising from an expansive chemical space (PAHs).

Cite

@article{arxiv.2509.08414,
  title  = {The Critical 9365 {\AA} Diffuse Interstellar Band and C$_{60}^{+}$ Association},
  author = {Daniel Majaess and Tina A. Harriott and Halis Seuret and Cercis Morera-Boado and Lou Massa and Cherif F. Matta},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2509.08414},
  year   = {2025}
}

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R2 v1 2026-07-01T05:29:46.094Z