DESIREE&Friends 5: Aromatic Species in the Molecular Universe

by Prof. Alexander Tielens (Leiden Observatory)

Tuesday 14 Oct 2025, 13:00 → 13:45 Europe/Stockholm

FB42 (AlbaNova Main Building)

Abstract:

Over the last 20 years, we have discovered that we live in a molecular Universe: A Universe with a rich and varied organic inventory; A Universe where molecules are abundant and widespread; A Universe where molecules play a central role in key processes that dominate the structure and evolution of galaxies. A Universe where molecules provide convenient thermometers and barometers to probe local physical conditions. Understanding the origin and evolution of interstellar and circumstellar molecules is therefore key to understanding the Universe around us and our place in it and has therefore become a fundamental goal of modern astrophysics.

The field is heavily driven by new observational tools that have become
available over the last 20 years; Ground-based and space-based observatories have opened up the IR and sub-millimeter window. In particular, spectroscopic observations with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) reveal a diversity of aromatic species in the Universe and a rich chemistry driving molecular complexity.

Our progress in understanding the Molecular Universe is greatly aided by a
close collaborations between astronomers, molecular physicists, astrochemists, spectroscopists, and physical chemists who work together in loosely organized networks. In this talk, I will sketch the progress that we have made after the launch of JWST and outline some of the challenges that are facing us. The focus will be on understanding the role of aromatic species in the organic inventory of regions of star and planet formation that may well have contributed to the prebiotic roots to life.