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Interstellar Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds and AstrophysicsOver 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 polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAC) in the interstellar medium (ISM). Twenty years ago, the notion of an abundant population of large, carbon rich molecules in the ISM was considered preposterous. Today, the unmistakable spectroscopic signatures of PAC - shockingly large molecules by previous interstellar chemistry standards - are recognized throughout the Universe. In this paper, we will examine the interstellar PAC model and its importance to astrophysics, including: (1) the evidence which led to inception of the model; (2) the ensuing laboratory and theoretical studies of the fundamental spectroscopic properties of PAC by which the model has been refined and extended; and (3) a few examples of how the model is being exploited to derive insight into the nature of the interstellar PAC population.
Document ID
20020091858
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Hudgins, Douglas M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
DeVincenzi, Donald
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
September 8, 2001
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 344-38-12-04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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