Are OH molecules in masers ionized?

[TheCanadian]

It seems like a very basic question. I've read about OH molecules in the context of astrophysical masers and perhaps it is already known, but the notation always omits the "-" superscript to denote the molecule as being an ionized one (i.e. an anion). Just to clarify, are OH molecules in masers such as those found in interstellar regions actually ionized?

 

[DrClaude]

If this was an ion, there would indeed be a minus sign. It is a neutral hydroxyl radical that is involved here, see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyl_radical#First_detection_of_interstellar_.E2.80.A2OH

 

[Ken G]

And if you compare to the much shorter article on the hydroxyl ion, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroxyl_ion_absorption, you see the contexts are much more limited. It seems that you mostly only get the hydroxyl ion in solution, rather than in the ultra-low density molecular clouds you find in astronomy.