Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Astrochemistry

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Astrochemistry is the study of chemical constituents found in outer space, generally on larger scales than the Solar System, especially in molecular gas clouds, and the study of their formation, interaction and destruction. As such, it represents an overlap of the areas of astronomy and chemistry. On the Solar System scale, the study of chemical elements is usually called cosmochemistry.

Astrochemists conduct experimental and computational laboratory studies (including quantum chemical calculations) to generate data for interpreting astronomical observations, to provide input data for models, and to test theories about the formation and evolution of big and small molecules in various astrophysical environments. They also use Earth-based telescopes, satellites, and space vehicles to collect spectroscopic data. They create and apply mathematical models, theories established on chemical dynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and other physical principles. They use computer visualizations to support them elucidate their observations in terms of known physical and chemical principles and to study the origins of extraterrestrial bodies and the chemical procedures that have shaped their present forms.