Student Seminar
Name: Mr. Mane Sham Janak
Title- Astrochemistry: Unraveling Chemical Composition of Interstellar Clouds and Stars via Advanced Measurements Techniques
Date & Time: Thursday, 1st February at 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Rajarshi Bhattacharya Memorial Lecture Hall, Chemical Sciences Building
Abstract:
Astrochemistry, an interdisciplinary field of astronomy and chemistry, plays a vital role in deciphering the mysteries of the cosmos. Within the cold, low-pressure expanse of space, molecules and the complex reactions governing their existence challenge conventional chemical principles, ushering researchers into innovative ideas of exploration and discovery; from radio, infrared and X-ray spectroscopy to high-resolution imaging, these tools provide astronomers and chemists with unprecedented insights into the molecular information of cosmic environments. By studying the spectral fingerprints of molecules, scientists can discover the conditions and mechanisms driving chemical reactions in space. Emphasis will be placed on stars’ role in shaping galaxies’ chemical landscape.
This talk will highlight recent discoveries and breakthroughs in detecting and analysing the diverse molecules present in interstellar environments, focusing on the cutting-edge techniques employed to unravel the complex chemical composition of interstellar clouds and stars.
References:
- Sandford, S. A., Nuevo, M., Bera, P. P. & Lee, T. J. Prebiotic astrochemistry and the formation of molecules of astrobiological interest in interstellar clouds and protostellar disks. Chem. Rev. 120, 4616–4659 (2020)
- Ceccarelli, C. Spiers Memorial Lecture: Astrochemistry at high resolution. Faraday Discuss. 245, 11–51 (2023)
- McGuire, B. A. 2021 Census of Interstellar, Circumstellar, Extragalactic, Protoplanetary Disk, and Exoplanetary Molecules. Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 259, 30 (2022)
- Grochala, W. First there was hydrogen. Nat. Chem. 7, 264–264 (2015)
- Lechner, P. et al. X-ray imaging spectrometers in present and future satellite missions. Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. A 509, 302–314 (2003)
- Kubitza, S. et al. Detecting sulfur on the Moon: The potential of vacuum ultraviolet laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Spectrochim. Acta Part B At. Spectrosc. 174, 105990 (2020)