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The unidentified diffuse interstellar bands as evidence for large organic molecules in the interstellar medium
1Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309, USA. tsnow@casa.colorado.edu
Summary
Astronomers have long studied diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), mysterious spectral features in space. New research suggests large carbon-bearing molecules are the likely carriers of these unidentified interstellar absorption bands.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Astrochemistry
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are spectral absorption features observed in interstellar space since 1921.
- Approximately 200 DIBs are known, but their molecular carriers remain unidentified.
- Previous research has proposed various atomic and molecular species as potential carriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and proposed carriers of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs).
- To present new observational and laboratory results concerning candidate DIB carriers.
- To investigate the role of large carbon-bearing molecules in DIB formation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of astronomical observations.
- Laboratory spectroscopy of candidate molecules.
- Measurement of chemical reaction rates for potential carriers.
Main Results:
- Recent evidence points towards large carbon-bearing molecules as the likely carriers of DIBs.
- New telescope data and laboratory measurements provide insights into candidate species.
- Chemical reaction rate studies offer further clues to molecular identification.
Conclusions:
- Large carbon-bearing molecules are strong candidates for the carriers of diffuse interstellar bands.
- Further investigation combining astronomical and laboratory data is crucial for unambiguous identification.
- This study contributes to solving a long-standing mystery in interstellar chemistry.