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Molecular spectroscopy in astrophysics: the case of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
| Content Provider | NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS) |
|---|---|
| Author | Salama, Farid |
| Copyright Year | 2000 |
| Description | The role of molecular spectroscopy in astrophysics and astrochemistry is discussed in the context of the study of large, complex, carbon-bearing molecules, namely, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or PAHs. These molecular species are now thought to be widespread in the interstellar medium in their neutral and ionized forms. Identifying the carriers responsible for unidentified interstellar spectral bands will allow to derive important information on cosmic elemental abundances as well as information on the physical conditions (density, temperature) reigning in specific interstellar environments. These, in turn, are key elements for a correct understanding of the energetic mechanisms that govern the origin and the evolution of the interstellar medium. A multidisciplinary approach - combining astronomical observations with laboratory simulations and theoretical modeling - is required to address these complex issues. Laboratory spectra of several PAHs, isolated at low temperature in inert gas matrices or seeded in a supersonic jet expansion, are discussed here and compared to the astronomical spectra of reddened, early type, stars. The electronic spectroscopy of PAHs in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared domains is reviewed and an assessment of the potential contribution of PAHs to the interstellar extinction in the ultraviolet and in the visible is discussed. |
| File Size | 551311 |
| File Format | |
| Language | English |
| Publisher Date | 2000-01-09 |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Subject Keyword | Astrophysics Molecular Spectroscopy Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Space Temperature Ultraviolet Spectra Visible Spectrum Diffuse Interstellar Bands Mathematical Models Computerized Simulation Infrared Spectra Interstellar Matter Ntrs Nasa Technical Reports ServerĀ (ntrs) Nasa Technical Reports Server Aerodynamics Aircraft Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Aeronautic Space Science |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |