ABOUT ASTROCHEMISTRY

Astrochemistry is a broad and interdisciplinary emerging field at the intersection of the traditional disciplines of chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Broadly speaking, astrochemistry can be defined as the study of molecules in the universe. Molecules play important roles in a wide variety of astrophysical environments and also serve as unique probes to study these environments. 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.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is an emerging leader in this young field. Astrochemical research is being conducted not only in the Department of Chemistry, but also by Professors Looney, Snyder, and Sutton in the Department of Astronomy. A new course, ASTR/CHEM 450, was offered for the first time in Spring 2006, and a new graduate concentration in Astrochemistry has recently been established. Additionally, a joint seminar series in Astrochemistry has recently been started with support from NSF.

Nationally and internationally, the field of astrochemistry is gaining increased prominence. This is evidenced by the growing number of scientific conferences and sessions devoted to this area, including an annual mini-symposium at the International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy, a special meeting of the International Astronomical Union, and a special session at the American Chemical Society national meeting in March 2006.

The McCall group, with its dual emphasis on high resolution spectroscopy of astrophysically important molecules and astronomical observations, is poised to become a major player in this young field. It is an exciting time to work in astrochemistry!

Click here for more information about astrochemistry at Illinois.