Duncan Mifsud (PhD Student in CAPS) was invited to give a seminar as part of the SOFIA Tele-Talk series based on his recent publication titled "The Role of Terahertz and Far-IR Spectroscopy in Understanding the Formation and Evolution of Interstellar Prebiotic Molecules"
Seminar Title
The Prebiotic Potential and Molecular Diversity of Space Environments: Past Projects and Future Possibilities with SOFIA
Abstract
Understanding the chemical pathways to the formation of molecules in various astrophysical settings is at the heart of astrochemical research. In particular, the icy mantles formed on interstellar dust grains and their processing by galactic cosmic rays or high-energy ultraviolet photons are thought to be the origin of many observed molecules, including those that are prebiotic. As interstellar regions evolve into stellar and planetary systems, these molecules may be seeded to planets and moons and contribute to important (geo)chemical processes and the possible emergence of life. In this talk, we shall outline the use of far-infrared and terahertz spectroscopy in the laboratory and how this aids in determining the molecular composition of interstellar, circumstellar, and solar system-type environments. Special attention will be paid to the use of such laboratory-generated spectra in astronomical observations, with a focus on the role of SOFIA in past and potential future projects.
The talk can be viewed here.
Summary
Astrophysical ices in the ISM are molecular factories; churning out molecules as a result of their processing by galactic cosmic rays and ultraviolet photons. Characterising the molecular composition of these ices is key to unravelling the chemical composition of the cosmos, and this has traditionally been done using mid-infrared spectroscopy. In this talk, I describe the use of terahertz spectroscopy as a complementary analytical tool to mid-infrared spectroscopy by exploiting the capabilities of SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Far-Infrared Astronomy) and other telescopes observing in the terahertz. Terahertz spectroscopy of astrophysical ices would allow astronomers to not only characterise intermolecular modes (thus providing an additional sensitive probe of structure), but also allows for emission signals to be detected against the background continuum thus increasing the lines of sight available for study.
Publication Details
Authors: Mifsud, D.V., Hailey, P.A., Traspas Muiña, A., Auriacombe, O., Mason, N.J., Ioppolo, S.
Journal: The paper is published in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, Volume 8, id.213 (2021)