In the last two decades, nearly one hundred different molecular species have been identified in the interstellar medium. These range from the simplest, such as H2, to quite complex chain molecules such as C6H or a number of cyano-polyynes. Searches for bio-molecules, such as amino acids, have so far proved negative, but success could be around the corner. The rich mixture of molecules found implies a rich chemistry, which is being intensively investigated in many laboratories and observatories throughout the world. In order to understand this chemistry, we have to know the physical conditions of their environment, that is the temperature and number density of the molecular constituents and of the hydrogen molecules, which make up the great bulk of the material. The calculation of these physical conditions constitutes a major part of the interpretation of astronomical spectra.
The projects offered are concerned with this field of research. They span a wide range of physical chemistry, involving emission and absorption of light, molecular energy transferring collisions, spectroscopic properties of radicals, surface properties of dust particles etc.. The content of the project is flexible and allows students to follow their interests, which develop during an introductory learning period. Projects for the coming year are likely to fall into one of the categories listed below.
Students enter a group consisting of Malcolm Gray, David Field, Jeremy Yates (Post-Doctoral Research Assistant) in Chemistry and Robin Walker, Rodney Hillier, Michael Masheder and Richard Oliver (Post-Graduate Student) in Physics. We meet regularly as a group each week.