Modeling of Organic Molecules Detected Toward Sagittarius B2
Presenter Hometown
Williamsburg, KY
Major
Chemistry
Department
Chemistry
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Donghui Quan
Mentor Department
Chemistry
Recommended Citation
Cupp, Jacob, "Modeling of Organic Molecules Detected Toward Sagittarius B2" (2016). University Presentation Showcase Event. 9.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2016/undergraduate/9
Abstract
Interstellar medium is defined as matter positioned between stars. In the interstellar medium, there are relatively massive clouds called interstellar clouds. These clouds are composed of diffuse gases that consist of all kinds of elements and compounds. Due to the low temperatures and densities of these regions, chemical reactions proceed at a slow pace. Nevertheless, many organic molecules have been detected in the interstellar clouds, implying active chemistry in these regions.
Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2) is a typical interstellar cloud, found near the center of the Milky Way galaxy. It possesses several hot cores, toward which rich chemistry has been reported. The Green Bank Telescope PRIMOS conducted a survey and discovered many prebiotic molecules toward the hot core Sgr B2 (N). Among these molecules, Carbodiimide (HNCNH) was identified. Carbodiimide is an isomer of the common interstellar molecule, Cyanamide (NH2CN). The abundance of Carbodiimide detected was about 10% of the abundance of Cyanamide (2x1013cm-2), putting it at about 2x1013cm-2. In this study, we will use rate equations to run chemical simulations for Sgr B2 (N) and its environment. The calculated abundance of Carbodiimide, and related species, will be compared with the observed data. The major formation and destruction reactions of these species will also be identified. As Carbodiimide may serve as a precursor to many biologically important molecules, understanding the chemistry of Carbodiimide in interstellar medium can enrich human beings’ understanding of the universe and may help to reveal the origin of life.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
039
Modeling of Organic Molecules Detected Toward Sagittarius B2
Interstellar medium is defined as matter positioned between stars. In the interstellar medium, there are relatively massive clouds called interstellar clouds. These clouds are composed of diffuse gases that consist of all kinds of elements and compounds. Due to the low temperatures and densities of these regions, chemical reactions proceed at a slow pace. Nevertheless, many organic molecules have been detected in the interstellar clouds, implying active chemistry in these regions.
Sagittarius B2 (Sgr B2) is a typical interstellar cloud, found near the center of the Milky Way galaxy. It possesses several hot cores, toward which rich chemistry has been reported. The Green Bank Telescope PRIMOS conducted a survey and discovered many prebiotic molecules toward the hot core Sgr B2 (N). Among these molecules, Carbodiimide (HNCNH) was identified. Carbodiimide is an isomer of the common interstellar molecule, Cyanamide (NH2CN). The abundance of Carbodiimide detected was about 10% of the abundance of Cyanamide (2x1013cm-2), putting it at about 2x1013cm-2. In this study, we will use rate equations to run chemical simulations for Sgr B2 (N) and its environment. The calculated abundance of Carbodiimide, and related species, will be compared with the observed data. The major formation and destruction reactions of these species will also be identified. As Carbodiimide may serve as a precursor to many biologically important molecules, understanding the chemistry of Carbodiimide in interstellar medium can enrich human beings’ understanding of the universe and may help to reveal the origin of life.
