Tracing Complex Molecules (B03)

• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2011 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 184018867

The focus of project B3 is to trace complex organic molecules (COMs) in the laboratory and in space. Our sensitive spectral survey of Sgr B2(N) with ALMA, together with laboratory data analysed in Cologne, led to the first detection of a branched alkyl molecule in the interstellar medium. Our new deep spectral line survey of Sgr B2(N) recently performed with ALMA will also allow us to search for other types of branched molecules and some cyclic molecules. The laboratory high resolution spectra taken either in absorption or in emission are the basis for a detailed characterization of molecules which supports interpreting astrophysical observations within CRC 956.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 956: Conditions and Impact of Star Formation - Astrophysics, Instrumentation and Laboratory Research
• Major Instrumentation: Detector
• Instrumentation Group: 4010 Einkristall-Diffraktometer
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Dr. Arnaud Belloche; Dr. Frank Lewen