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Molecules in interstellar cloudsThe physical conditions and chemical compositions of the gas in interstellar clouds are reviewed in light of the importance of interstellar clouds for star formation and the origin of life. The Orion A region is discussed as an example of a giant molecular cloud where massive stars are being formed, and it is pointed out that conditions in the core of the cloud, with a kinetic temperature of about 75 K and a density of 100,000-1,000,000 molecules/cu cm, may support gas phase ion-molecule chemistry. The Taurus Molecular Clouds are then considered as examples of cold, dark, relatively dense interstellar clouds which may be the birthplaces of solar-type stars and which have been found to contain the heaviest interstellar molecules yet discovered. The molecular species identified in each of these regions are tabulated, including such building blocks of biological monomers as H2O, NH3, H2CO, CO, H2S, CH3CN and H2, and more complex species such as HCOOCH3 and CH3CH2CN.
Document ID
19820037368
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Irvine, W. M.
(Onsala Space Observatory Sweden)
Hjalmarson, A.
(Onsala Space Observatory Sweden)
Rydbeck, O. E. H.
(Onsala Space Observatory Onsala, Sweden)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1981
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Origin of life
Location: Jerusalem
Country: Israel
Start Date: June 22, 1980
End Date: June 27, 1980
Accession Number
82A20903
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-22-010-023
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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