International Astronomical Union

Molecules in Astrophysics: Probes and Processes - International Astronomical Union Symposia 1997 edition

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index. Table of Contents: Preface. Conference Summary. Star Formation. Comets and the Solar System. Basic Molecular Processes. Grains and PAHs. ISO First Results. Diffuse and Translucent Clouds. Stars and Circumstellar Envelopes. Galaxies. Appendices: 1: Summary of Detected Molecules. 2: Molecular Data Bases. Abbreviations. Keyword Index. Molecule Index. Object Index. Author Index. List of Photos. List of Posters. List of Participants. Publisher Marketing: Molecules are found in a large variety of astronomical environments, ranging from comets in the solar system to galaxies at high redshift. This text brings together astronomers, physicists and chemists to discuss the use of molecules as probes of astrophysical parameters, explore their role in the evolution of astronomical objects, and study the basic chemical processes that occur in space. The progress in observational techniques is illustrated by studies of the physics and chemistry on scales comparable to the protosolar nebulae around high- and low-mass forming stars and planetary systems. New experimental techniques for the measurement of gas-phase reactions at low temperatures, the analysis of spectra, and the investigation of surface adsorbates on interplanetary dust particles and meteorites are presented; the importance of accurate quantum chemical calculations is emphasized. Present knowledge of the composition of dust grains and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is also summarized.