Fullerenes as Miniature Cosmic Time Capsules . ... The discovery involves small molecules that can apparently become trapped during the formation of large enclosed molecules known as fullerenes , or bucky balls. ... How these fullerenes formed, how they survived, where else they can be found, and what else might be found inside these tiny time capsules is developing into an exciting area of research. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...