Observations

Observations with telescopes play a crucial role in astrochemistry by providing direct measurements of molecular emissions and absorptions in various astronomical environments. Telescopes collect incoming signals from space. These signals fall into different sections of the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a broad range of wavelengths or frequencies that correspond to different types of radiation. Each portion of the spectrum provides unique information about the universe, and different types of telescopes are designed to observe specific parts of the spectrum. 

Radio waves have the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Microwave telescopes, often used in conjunction with radio telescopes, observe emissions from sources like molecular clouds and the emission coming from rotating molecules in space. Notable radio telescopes include the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Very Large Array (VLA). Infrared telescopes detect and study the thermal emissions from objects. Infrared telescopes are able to look into the vibration of molecules, and therefore, they are able to look at molecules on surfaces. Examples of infrared telescopes include the Spitzer Space Telescope, the James Webb Space Telescope, and ground-based telescopes like the Keck Observatory. With the James Webb Telescope, astrochemists can get information on the molecules on grain surfaces as well as planet and moon surfaces.

The combination of observational data, laboratory experiments, and theoretical modeling helps to interpret and understand the complex chemistry occurring in space.