Abstract

Invited Talk - Plenary

Unveiling the Molecular Universe

Arshia M. Jacob
University of Cologne

For much of human history, the space between stars was thought to be empty. It was only in the late 19th century that astronomers begin unwrapping the first of many “cosmic gifts”, discovering a gaseous interstellar medium (ISM) through spectral lines in nebulae such as Orion. Today, we now know the ISM to be a dynamic, inhomogeneous mix of gas and dust, something like a cosmic snow globe, where cooler, denser regions serve as the raw material for star formation. Despite containing only trace amounts of heavy elements, the ISM has revealed a surprising variety of molecules. Nearly 300 species, from simple diatomics to complex fullerenes, have been found in environments ranging from comets to distant galaxies. Such discoveries have been driven by advances in receiver technology, particularly in sub-mm and radio astronomy, as well as breakthroughs in laboratory spectroscopy. The resulting field of astrochemistry has become a truly interdisciplinary science, engaging astronomers, physicists, and chemists, alike. But what do we learn from these molecules? Understanding these processes requires detailed chemical insight, often grounded in studies of small, fundamental molecules. This talk will guide you through recent observations revealing unexpected molecular discoveries and the mysteries they hold, with special focus on hydrides.