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Molecules in Space

Encyclopedia of Astrobiology

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Definition

In this entry, by “molecules” we refer to all types of (generally chemically) bound species consisting of two or more atoms. They may be chemically saturated as well as unsaturated, may contain unpaired electrons (i.e., are radicals), or may be charged positively (cations) or negatively (anions). Space refers here to all regions outside the solar system. On occasion, we restrict the discussion only to the interstellar medium and circumstellar envelopes in the Milky Way, thus excluding stellar atmospheres as well as extragalactic sources. Molecules in space usually, but not exclusively, refer to those in the gas phase.

Overview

The spectra produced by molecules in space are used to characterize the physical and chemical properties of certain media in space. For example, certain atomic and molecular absorption lines in the visible region observed in stellar atmospheres are used to classify the stars. Atomic and molecular lines play an important role in star formation, as they...

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. I. Physikalisches Institut, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 77, Köln, 50937, Germany

    Holger S. P. Müller

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  1. Holger S. P. Müller
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Correspondence to Holger S. P. Müller .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Centro de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

    Ricardo Amils

  2. Labo. d'Astrophysique de Bordeaux (LAB), Observatoire Aquitain des Sciences de l'Univers (OASU), Floirac CX, France

    Muriel Gargaud

  3. Centro de Astrobiología (CAB), Inst. Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial, Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain

    José Cernicharo Quintanilla

  4. Geophysical Lab., Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, USA

    Henderson James Cleaves

  5. Astronomy Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA

    William M. Irvine

  6. Dépt. Sc. de la Terre et de l’Atmosphère, Université du Québec, Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada

    Daniele Pinti

  7. Centre National d'Etudes Spatiale (CNES) DPI/E2U, Paris CX, France

    Michel Viso

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Müller, H.S.P. (2014). Molecules in Space. In: Amils, R., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1834-12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1834-12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27833-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Physics and AstronomyReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

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Chapter history

  1. Latest

    Molecules in Space
    Published:
    13 December 2022

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1834-14

  2. Molecules in Space
    Published:
    01 April 2021

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1834-13

  3. Original

    Molecules in Space
    Published:
    28 April 2015

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_1834-12

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