Molecular Astrophysics
Our research is focused on molecular astrophysics and the chemistry of interstellar space. The extreme conditions of interstellar clouds - with temperatures down to 10K combined with very low particle densities - are adverse for typical chemical reactions as they happen under terrestrial conditions. Nevertheless, about ~300 different molecular species have been identified in space, and this number continues to grow. The key to an active chemical network in the gas phase of outer space are processes that are initiated by molecular ions.
The ASTROLAB group aims to study key processes of interstellar chemistry in the laboratory, like the formation and destruction of the first molecules in space, or the gas phase formation of water. Our experiments are centered around the Cyrogenic Storage Ring (CSR) at MPIK. This unique facility allows for the study of astrophysical processes under true interstellar conditions.
News
First evidence of particle outflow from a young massive star cluster
CSR provides new insights into interstellar chemistry
Using the unique space-like conditions in the Cryogenic Storage Ring (CSR) researchers from the MPIK measured for the first time the dissociative…
Chemistry at the Beginning: How Molecular Reactions Influenced the Formation of the First Stars
Researchers have discovered new insights into the reaction pathways of the first molecule in space.