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Astrochemistry is the study of the composition and reactions of atoms, molecules and ions in space. The topic includes the gathering of spectroscopic information from ground-, air- and space-based observatories, lab-based studies that replicate the harsh environments of space and modelling.
CO2 is prominent in the Earth’s and exoplanetary atmospheres, but its excited state photochemistry is not yet fully understood. Here the authors identify gradual quenching of the diffuse vibrational structure in supercritical CO2 electronic spectra under pressures up to 137 bar.
Cyanide anions exist in interstellar space, but the vibrationally or electronically excited states above the electron autodetachment threshold of CN- are assumed to have no contributions to cosmic CN-. Here, the authors report long-lived, superexcited CN- from the dissociative electron attachment to cyanogen bromide.
H3+ has great astronomical significance, but its formation mechanisms are not fully understood. Here a combined experimental and theoretical study of H3+ formation dynamics from ethane dications shows that roaming occurs at a much longer timescale than the transition state, and is accompanied by nuclear motion of larger amplitudes.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in the interstellar medium but their origin is unclear. Here the authors investigate large PAH formation from smaller PAHs in a plasma jet by mass-selective IR and UV laser spectroscopy, uncovering diacetylene radical addition as formation mechanism.
A nearby galaxy provides a clue for resolving a long-standing issue in the way we measure elemental abundances from spectra, setting the stage for better interpreting the chemical evolution of galaxies across different cosmic epochs.
Sit back and settle in for a tour of the chemical analysis instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope and the techniques being used to explore the planets beyond our Solar System.
The European Astronomical Society (EAS) awarded its most prestigious prizes during its annual meeting held in Valencia, Spain. After two virtual meetings, astronomers attended in-person or watched some of the sessions remotely.
It has been a great joint achievement of astronomy, laboratory spectroscopy and quantum chemistry to identify interstellar molecules in various astronomical environments and piece together their origins story from the fragmented evidence. Here the authors provide a sketch of what we know and motivate the asking of open questions on carbon-based molecules in space.
