Astrochemistry space

The study of spectroscopy has provided all of the information required to make a positive identification of molecules in space. More interestingly, once the spectrum of a molecule or atom is understood accurately, the interaction of the molecule with its surroundings can be understood as well. Atoms and molecules, wherever they are, can report on their local conditions and be used as probes. We shall see many of these examples where knowledge of molecular properties provides insight into astrochemistry. For example, the understanding developed below will take us from the transition wavelength of Ha to the radius of Jupiter. 

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. 

Astrochemistry Laboratory, Code 691 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD 20771, USA... 

Figure 5. A typical experimental apparatus used to explore astrochemistry, comprising an ultrahigh vacuum chamber to mimic low pressures in space, a cryostat to prepare surfaces at very low temperatures, an irradiation source to provide energy to induce chemistry and a detection system (e.g. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy or FTIR) to determine what molecules are formed in the astrochemicalprocesses.

The purpose of Chemistry of Space is to provide an overview of the latest information about the solar system, the planets, comets, and meteors, and other features of our universe that has become available as a result of research in astrochemistry. This information changes rapidly, however. New space probes are being sent into the solar system and outer space on a regular basis each such probe sends back new treasure troves of information about astronomical bodies. Interested readers will find useful and recent data in this book but should consider using the bibliographical section at the end of the book to pursue further changes taking place within the field. 

Identifying Molecules in Space Exploring Astrochemistry through High-Resolution Spectroscopy... 

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. 

The Astrochemistry Laboratory at NASA s Ames Research Center (27) maintains a website containing relevant background information for instructors and details on the information spectroscopy provides about organic molecules in space. 

Astrochemistry is chemistry in space Astrochemists try to do what all chemists do— study molecules and the reactions of those molecules—except that these chemists are looking in outer space, where temperatures are extremely cold and concentrations are exceptionally dilute. These two properties of outer space combined mean that lots of very strange molecules can exist for a relatively long time. 

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. 

Decker S, Savi I, Gerlich D. (2007) Astrochemistry in ion traps Prom cold hydrogen to hot carbon Molecules. In Lemaire JL, Combes F. (eds). Space Laboratory, Paris. 

---