Astrochemistry

Astrochemistry is an emerging discipline that lies at the intersection of the traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics, and astronomy -- broadly construed, it is the study of molecular and chemical process in astronomical objects. Molecules play essential roles in astronomy, both as remote probes of physical and chemical conditions, and as active participants in the evolution of astronomical objects. For example, rotational line emission from molecules in star-forming regions allow astronomers to trace the kinematics of cloud collapse, but at the same time this same molecular line emission is what dissipates the gravitational potential energy and allows the collapse to continue. From the early universe, to the interstellar medium in our galaxy, to the atmospheres of stars, planets, and comets, chemistry is not a curiosity but a driving force. In fact, our own origins may be due in large part to the chemistry that occurred in the interstellar cloud that eventually became our solar system.

Astrochemistry in the McCall Group

Our group's astrochemical work focuses primarily on the development and application of new molecular probes of the interstellar medium. In the laboratory, we measure the high-resolution spectra of molecules that are thought to be important in interstellar chemistry, and we also measure the rate coefficients of astrochemically important reactions. Using large telescopes from the optical to the mid-infrared to the millimeter-wave, we search for new interstellar molecules, try to identify unassigned astronomical transitions, and use known interstellar molecules to better understand the physical conditions (density, temperature, cosmic-ray flux) and the chemical pathways in interstellar clouds.

The "astronomer's periodic table," in which the area of the element in the table is proportional to its abundance in space.

Astrochemistry in the Midwestern United States

The University of Illinois is an emerging leader in this young field. In addition to active research in this field in both the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Astronomy, we also have two regularly offered courses in astrochemistry, a double major/degree program for undergraduates, and a graduate concentration in astrochemistry. Additionally, we have a joint seminar series in astrochemistry, supported by NSF. More broadly, the midwestern United States is home to a plethora of groups working in astrochemistry, and as a result we have recently organized a Midwest Astrochemistry Consortium. More information on astrochemistry activities at Illinois and in the midwest is available on the Astrochemistry @ Illinois and the Midwest Astrochemistry Consortium websites.