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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Astrophysics: The State of the Pah Model and a Possible Tracer of Nitrogen in Carbon-Rich DustOver the past fifteen years, thanks to significant, parallel advancements in observational, experimental, and theoretical techniques, tremendous strides have been made in our understanding of the role aromatic materials play in the interstellar medium (ISM). Twenty years ago, the possible existence of an abundant population of large, carbon-rich molecules in the ISM was unthinkable. Today, the unmistakable spectroscopic signatures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules (PAHs) - shockingly large molecules by the standards of traditional interstellar chemistry - are recognized throughout the Universe. In this paper, we will examine the current state of the interstellar PAH model and its utility as a diagnostic tool to derive insight into the nature of the interstellar PAH population. As an example of this application, we will examine the results of our recent spectroscopic studies of polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles (PANHs)-PAHs with an atom of nitrogen substituted into the aromatic skeleton-and discuss a possible tracer of such species amongst the interstellar PAH emission bands in the latest observational data.
Document ID
20040013164
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hudgins, Douglas M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Allamandola, Louis J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
October 6, 2003
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Symposium on the Astrophysics of Dust
Location: Estes Park, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: May 26, 2003
End Date: May 30, 2003
Funding Number(s)
OTHER: 344-58-21-02
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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