The diffuse interstellar bands: An elderly astro-puzzle rejuvenated

3Citations
Citations of this article
9Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

The interstellar medium constitutes a physically and chemically complex component of galaxies and is important in the cycle of matter and the evolution of stars. From various spectroscopic clues we now know that the interstellar medium is rich in organic compounds. However, identifying the exact nature of all these components remains a challenge. In particular the identification of the so-called diffuse band carriers has been alluding astronomers for almost a century. In recent decades, observational, experimental and theoretical advances have rapidly lead to renewed interest in the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs). This has been instigated partly by their perceived relation to the infrared aromatic emission bands, the UV extinction bump and far-UV rise, and the growing number of (small) organic molecules identified in space. This chapter gives an overview of the observational properties and behaviour of the DIBs, and their presence throughout the Universe. I will highlight recent progress in identifying their carriers and discuss their potential as tracers and probes of (extra)-Galactic ISM conditions. © 2011 International Astronomical Union.

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Cox, N. L. J. (2011). The diffuse interstellar bands: An elderly astro-puzzle rejuvenated. In Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union (Vol. 7, pp. 162–176). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1743921311024951

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 6

86%

Researcher 1

14%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Physics and Astronomy 5

71%

Chemistry 2

29%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free