Pathway to the identification of C60+ in diffuse interstellar clouds
John P Maier1, Ewen K Campbell2
1Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 80, 4056 Basel, Switzerland j.p.maier@chemie.unibas.ch.
Summary
Diffuse interstellar bands are now explained by cold, gas-phase fullerene molecules. This discovery opens new avenues for understanding interstellar chemistry and the role of fullerenes in space.
Area of Science:
- Astrochemistry
- Interstellar Medium Physics
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- The origin of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) has been a century-long mystery in astronomy.
- DIBs are absorption features observed in starlight at specific wavelengths, indicating the presence of unknown interstellar molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the identification process of the molecules responsible for diffuse interstellar bands.
- To highlight the role of laboratory studies in measuring spectroscopic properties of interstellar molecules.
Main Methods:
- Spectroscopic measurement of large cations (fullerenes) cooled to interstellar medium temperatures.
- Laboratory experiments simulating interstellar conditions to analyze absorption features.
Main Results:
- Four diffuse interstellar bands have been definitively attributed to the absorption by cold, gas-phase fullerene molecules.
- This identification provides the first concrete explanation for a significant portion of DIBs.
Conclusions:
- Fullerenes and their derivatives play a crucial role in interstellar chemistry.
- This discovery necessitates further research into the prevalence and impact of fullerenes in the interstellar medium.
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