What is Astrochemistry?
Astrochemistry is the study of the chemical behavior of atoms and molecules in astrophysical environments. There are various research areas within the field of astrochemistry and methods in which scientists study astrochemistry in space, explained below.
Comets
Comets are like dirty snowballs orbiting around the Sun. The solid body of the comet is called the nucleus, consisting of rock, ices, and dust. Dust is a common word used in astrochemistry in reference to molecules in . . .
RESEARCH AREAS
Interstellar Medium
The interstellar medium (ISM) refers to the vast space between stars in galaxies. Gas is the primary component of the interstellar medium, with hydrogen being the most abundant element.
Planetary Science
Planetary science is a discipline that focuses on the study of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies within our solar system and beyond. Astrochemistry research in planetary science focuses on studying the chemical . . .
Protoplanetary Disks
A protoplanetary disk is a rotating disk of gas and dust around a young star. Within the disk, gas and dust, which are tiny solid particles, can collide and stick together, gradually growing into larger objects known as . . .
Stellar Chemistry
Stellar chemistry research focuses on the chemical composition, abundances, and processes occurring within stars. Composition of a star entails what elements a star harbors and the abundance entails how much . . .
RESEARCH METHODS
Experimental
In experimental astrochemistry, laboratory experiments are conducted to investigate the chemical processes occurring in space environments. Researchers study gas-phase and solid-state chemistry by introducing . . .
Observations
Observations with telescopes play a crucial role in astrochemistry by providing direct measurements of molecular emissions and absorptions in various astronomical environments.
Quantum Chemistry
Quantum chemistry utilizes quantum mechanics to model how electrons behave within and between molecules. This is often done through computer codes that can handle the complicated mathematics involved.
Theoretical Modeling
Theoretical modeling incorporates mathematics, chemical reaction rates, and in some cases, large-scale physical dynamics, to simulate the chemical processes occurring in astrophysical environments.
