Introduction to Astrochemistry

Full course

Lecturer: Dr. Alan Heays

Dr. Heays was trained as a molecular physicist studying the physics of small molecules theoretically and experimentally. After completing his PhD he began working with the astrochemists at Leiden Observatory trying to interpret molecular signals emanating within the Galaxy. His teaching experience extends to the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students, and laboratory tutoring experience in undergraduate physics.

Summary

Ever since molecules were found to exist in space they have been a source of surprise for astronomers and chemical physicists. They provide a unique view on physical conditions in the interstellar medium and along the lifecycle of matter in the Universe. Molecules are also a key player in the formation of stars because of their ability to radiate away heat from collapsing interstellar clouds, and control which elements continue on to form planets (and life). Using all of this basic information, the course will include a description of the chemistry and molecules in the early Universe, interstellar clouds, and during the star and planet formation process.

Outline

1. Introduction

This lecture will cover the history, present, and future of observations of extraterrestrial molecules; and what we have learned from studying them.

2. Molecular rotation as an astrophysical tracer

Here we'll cover the basic quantum mechanics of a rotating molecule, their observation with mm-wavelength radiation, and how to use this radiation to measure the density and temperature of the interstellar medium.

3. Molecular interactions and reaction networks

This topic covers the most important physical processes affecting molecule abundances in interstellar space. This chemical kinetic reactions, the ice and gas phases, and the energising influence of ultraviolet radiation and high-energy cosmic rays.

4. Molecules in interstellar clouds, and during planet and star formation

In this part of the course we'll try to combine all of the above information into understand the observed abundance of key chemical species in the interstellar medium and star- and planet-forming regions. This is where the most cutting edge astrochemical research is being done today.

5. Isotopes

All isotopes are not equal in astrochemistry. The separation of isotopes before and during star formation leaves a chemical trace today. This lecture will cover some of the ways to separate isotopes, and what can be learned from them.

Syllabus

Sessión 1 - Introduction (part 1).

Sessión 2 - Introduction (part 2).

Appendix

Sessión 3 - Introduction (part 3).

See also: Live Stream Video - Introduction | Exercises/Slides

Sessión 4 - Rotational spectroscopy.

See also: Live Stream Video - Introduction | Exercises/Slides

References

Tielens, A. G. G. M. "The molecular universe." Reviews of Modern Physics 85.3 (2013): 1021. (Download).

Van Dishoeck, Ewine F. "ISO spectroscopy of gas and dust: from molecular clouds to protoplanetary disks." arXiv preprint astro-ph/0403061 (2004). (Download)

Gerin, Maryvonne. "The Molecular Universe." Astrochemistry and Astrobiology. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2013. 35-72. (Download)

Videos

Session 1 - Introduction (part 1)