Ancient Cosmic Water Found Suspended in Space

Scientists have discovered the largest and oldest body of water in the known universe, which is 12 billion years old and significantly larger than all the water on Earth. Surrounding a quasar 12 billion light-years away, the water is equivalent to 140 trillion times the water in Earth's oceans. This finding suggests that water is pervasive throughout the universe, even in its early stages. Astronomers studied a quasar called APM 08279+5255 and detected spectral signatures of the water, marking the first time water vapor has been found this far back in the early universe. Plans for a 25-meter telescope in Chile to further explore the distant universe have been put on hold due to lack of funding.