Soot Formation Discovery (IMAGE) DOE/Sandia National Laboratories Caption Scientists have discovered a mechanism for soot formation, solving a longstanding scientific mystery. In this image of a candle flame, the colors are from hot soot luminescence. The mass spectrum at the bottom shows the peaks for the radicals that drive reaction. The incipient particle (lower drawing) is the cluster that marks a transition to the condensed phase. Fast reactions grow the particle (upper drawing). 1 nm =1 nanometer=10-9 meters Credit Hope Michelsen Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.