Scientific Method / Science & Exploration  New type of chemical
bond may form in extreme magnetic fields of stars  Hydrogen and
helium may bond magnetically near white dwarfs and neutron
stars.  Artist's impression of a neutron star, showing the
intense magnetic field lines (in blue) surrounding it. Such
strong magnetic fields could create a new type of molecule.
Bonds between atoms are electrical in character: atoms share
electrons or mutually ionize, creating an attractive force
binding them together. However, researchers are now suggesting
that it may be possible to generate magnetic bonds, resulting in
stable molecules of different types than exist on Earth. While
these molecules can't be produced with even our strongest
laboratory magnets, they could form in the extreme magnetic
fields near white dwarfs and neutron stars, and their unique
spectral signatures may make them visible through observations.
As described in a new Science paper, Kai K. Lange, E. I.
Tellgren, M. R. Hoffmann, and T. Helgaker per