[Hunble]

You are correct and the detection of oxygen is not that surprising. Oxygen is a natural by-product of the carbon cycle (sometimes called the CNO cycle) of the proton-proton nuclear reaction of early-type stars.

Now if they detect molecular O2, then my ears would perk up very rapidly!

[qam1]

Now if they detect molecular O2, then my ears would perk up very rapidly!

Not necessary, Mercury's atmosphere contains 5.6% molecular Oxygen and I don't think there is life there.