How do molecules originate and evolve in space? And how does that ultimately determine the chemical composition of planets and their atmospheres? The Dutch Astrochemistry Network (DANIII) receives 1.6 million euros from NWO to find out. A large group of Leiden astronomers and chemists is contributing: 'With the unprecedented sensitivity of the James Webb Space Telescope, we can look more precisely than ever at areas in space previously inaccessible.'
A year and a half ago, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) took off into space. The launch opened up unprecedented opportunities for new astrochemical research, especially in terms of observing infrared radiation.
Interpreting space data with lab and computer work
A team of Leiden scientists successfully submitted several research proposals. Melissa McClure, Harold Linnartz, Serena Viti, Ewine van Dishoeck, KoJu Chuang (Leiden Observatory) and Thanja Lamberts (LIC and Observatory) will soon start their research on the role of interstellar ice in the formation of both smaller and larger and increasingly complex molecules in space (see box). These include water and methane ice, but also frozen sugars and amino acids.
Their research will help interpret JWST's treasure trove of new observations through lab measurements and computer modelling. With this knowledge, the researchers can investigate how molecules evolve in space, and how this is affected by factors such as temperature and the amount of hard UV-light.
The building blocks of life
The molecules that form the building blocks of life, such as water, sugars and amino acids, form long before stars and planets are born. This happens deep inside clouds of gas and dust. These clouds will eventually collapse under their own gravity. In the process, new stars are formed, surrounded by disks of gas and dust from which planets eventually emerge. During these various phases, bar-cold dust particles become covered with a layer of ice. The ice functions as a reservoir for molecules, in which particles can efficiently react with each other. Thus, increasingly complex molecules can also form on these icy dust particles over time.
