Molecular Astronomy

Star-forming regions, cool stellar atomospheres and brown dwarfs are all examples of extraterrestrial sources where, with the collaboration of astronomers, infrared and radio observations of molecules are underway. Studies of sunspots produced the spectrum of hot water - "Water on the Sun." As well, the C3 and C5 carbon chain molecules were discovered in the atmosphere of a carbon star by infrared astronomy. In addition to astronomical observations, the laboratory astrophysics of molecules such as C60, triplet C3, CH4, TiO, CrH, and SiS is of interest.


a Sunspot

A Sunspot

Water on the Sun Sunspots - "Water on the Sun"