Astrochemistry- Episode 1 (Introduction)

ASTROCHEMISTRY- EPISODE 1 (INTRODUCTION)

A conversation between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker

Obi-Wan: Anakin! Has it ever crossed your mind to actually use those brain cells of yours when the situation demands it? Or will that be asking too much of you?

Anakin: Oh great, what is the problem now? Everything I know, I learned from you, Master. Go ahead! Lecture me about whatever it is I’m lacking in. Wouldn’t wanna start my day in any other way.

Obi-Wan: I'm just going to ignore the snide remarks and be the better person here. So anyway, today we'll be foraging into the world of astrochemistry and its various complexities. The formation, destruction and excitation of molecules in astronomical environments and their influence on the structure, dynamics and evolution of astronomical objects is basically what astrochemistry is in rather simple terms.

Anakin: How exactly is learning astrochemistry going to be of any sort of benefit to me, if I may ask? I mean, I don't see how it should concern me at all. But again, who am I to say? You, my Master, would know better. At least I hope you do (smirks).

Obi-Wan: Arghhh, I hate it when you do that. Have patience, young Padawan. Resistance to new ideas is not in the nature of a Jedi. If you are to master the force, you still have a lot to learn.

Anakin: *rolling his eyes* Ohh yes! I mean I can understand how astrophysics might be a part of my so-called training, but astrochemistry? Really?

Obi-Wan: Maybe you would do a better job of understanding if you let me speak for once. (shakes head). So, as I was saying, the field of Laboratory Astrophysics and Astrochemistry consists of laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations that are key factors for the understanding of our universe by complementing astronomical observations and modelling. Astrochemistry, in combination with astrobiology and astrophysics, helps us understand some key features of the emergence of life as we know it, on Earth, by observing other exoplanets.

Anakin: So what you're telling me is that there is a possibility of finding molecules in harsh conditions of space after all?

Obi-Wan: Glad to see those wheels turning up there, and yes that is kind of what I am getting at. Initially, it was believed that this is impossible but recent discoveries in this field reveal an entirely different story. Spectroscopic studies have shown the existence of molecules in space. A nearby star energizes an atom of gas, making its electrons jump into higher orbits. When it relaxes again, electrons take a quantum leap back to their normal orbits, removing the excess energy in the form of photons. The released energy, when plotted and compared, will give you a fair idea about how and which molecules are present in the system. Am I making any sense to you, Anakin?

Anakin: Yes, yes. This actually seems like something rather interesting.

Obi-Wan: Looks like our young Padawan is ready to know more. Gas-phase astrochemistry, spectroscopy in hot bodies and Interstellar Medium, space plasmas and many more such topics are still virgin territories, and they require young and ardent explorers in the pursuit of knowledge to get a better understanding of the same.

Anakin: This field seems rather vast and might I say definitely capable of holding one’s undivided attention. So tell me more about the people who have forayed into this and actually left a mark there. One or two will do.

Obi-Wan: The most popular name in the field would, of course, be Carl Sagan, so much so that he’s the first name that jumps to one's mind when one mentions astrochemistry. He was involved in the studies on extraterrestrial life and experimental demonstration of the production of amino acids from basic chemicals by radiation. One of his best works includes Sagan’s paradox. He argued through various logical assumptions (like Drake’s equation), about the possible number of extra-terrestrial advanced civilizations capable of interstellar time travel. Rather ingenious, don’t you think?

Anakin: He seems like an interesting fellow. Is there anyone else that's done interesting research in this field? If so, pray tell.

Obi-Wan: Another giant in the field is Ewine van Dishoeck. She was involved in building instruments for the Atacama Large Millimeter Array and the James Webb telescopes. Her path changed when she shifted from theoretical chemistry to astrochemistry. Talk about destiny!

Anakin: I feel like a conversation with the two of them would be quite rewarding, and would help me kindle my curiosity. I have to say though I am rather impressed with your topic selection, not bad at all, old man.

Obi-Wan: Yes, of course. If the Force wishes so, you will soon meet them. Now, I want to introduce you to the concept of the Astronomer's periodic table. You might be aware of the Chemist’s periodic table but the Astronomer’s periodic table is visibly very different. See these pictures for yourself.

Anakin: Well! Would you like to elaborate?

Obi-Wan: Let me breathe, Anakin. I have to say, I rather like you listening to what I say, for a change. So what makes this version different from what we are used to is that the elements are arranged based on how they were discovered. Hydrogen and Helium are the most abundant of the elements because they were cooked up right within 20 minutes of the big bang. To the disappointment of most chemists, all the rest of the elements (including gases) were included under a large umbrella of ‘Metals’ because they came up through cosmic ray fusion and supernova explosion. Are you comprehending what I'm saying, Anakin?

Anakin: Oh yes, definitely! I would most certainly like to hear more on this, Master.

Obi-Wan: What’s that? Are you actually taking an interest in something I introduced to you, Anakin? Well, the surprises never end, do they? But I'm afraid this is enough for today. There's a whole world out there, Anakin- one that's waiting to be discovered by purveyors like us.

Writers: Anvesha Shree, Gayathri M