Astrochemistry interstellar space

ASTROCHEMISTRY. Application of radioastronomy (microwave spectroscopy) to determination of the existence of chemical entities in the gas clouds of interstellar space and of elements and compounds in celestial bodies, including their atmospheres. Such data aie obtained from spectrographic study of the light from the sun and stars, from analysis of meteorites, and from actual samples from the moon. Hydrogen is by far the most abundant element in interstellar space, with helium a distant second. 

Over the past few decades, it has become increasingly obvious that interstellar space has a rich and varied chemistry. Quantum mechanics is the basis by which molecules are investigated in space. Rotational spectra obtained from accurate laboratory measurements allow for unambiguous identification of such molecules, combined with the remote-sensing capabilities of radio astronomy. This symbiotic relationship has led to a new chemical field Astrochemistry. 

Sellgren, K. Aromatic hydrocarbons, diamonds, and fullerenes in interstellar space puzzles to be solved by laboratory and theoretical astrochemistry. Spectrochim Acta A. 2001 57 627-42. 

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