Hot Start - Protostar Chemistry
- Christine Le
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
Our feeble minds cannot grasp the complex boundaries of galactic bodies. No likeness from beginning to end of a star’s life. The tapestry of star formation starts from the abundances of gasses to form the young protostars; which in itself holds a fascinating niche. Studies that snapshot these moments provide valuable insight to existing research and prevent oversight. NASA is no different with studying protostar cluster IRAS 23385+6053 to better comprehend the various chemical processes and its composition; holding significant chemistry that is often overlooked.
Protostars are young stars that continue to develop under the masses of their parent interstellar clouds. Significantly, a representation of an early phase of a developing star that could become a much larger star. In cases such as IRAS 23385+6053, the mass is a furnace of chemical reactions catalyzed from high temperatures and densities. Under these conditions, it sets up the formation of a wide range of molecules, from diatomic species to complex organic compounds.
In the Cygnus X-1 region of the Milky Way, distinctive for the location of the swan constellation known as Cygnus; IRAS 23385+6053 is in a hotpot of tremendous amounts of gas. There are many devices such as Atacama Large Millimeter/ submillimeter Array (ALMA) and NASA's Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) issuing an explicit spectra, indicating the variety of lights that are being emitted in a given sample. This sample can reveal wavelengths, elements, densities, magnetic fields, etc. Specifically in this chemical rich environment, the data reveals the presence of numerous molecules such as carbon monoxide (CO), formaldehyde (H2CO), methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), acetic acid (CH3COOH), and many others. Such complex organic molecules (COMs) are a stirring pot to star formation. Many COMs hold a foundation in star development, creating structure, establishing temperatures and characteristics that apply to the protostar. Many of these familiar gasses are often overlooked for their great significance in star formation.
Methane (CH4) is a colorless and odorless gas used to fuel heat and light in everyday appliances. For a protostar like IRAS 23385+6053, methane is located in the warmer regions of the protostar cluster. It consists of a single saturated hydrocarbon that acts as a coolant for the collapse of interstellar clouds because of its absorption of thermal energy from collision-induced emissions. Traces of methane equate to the protostar just being in its beginning stages. Essentially, methane is one of the most simple compounds that a gas can form into as being a precursor to more complex structures. This is the same gas that is released from cows’ stomachs, yet it holds a significant value to the embryonic stages of a protostar.
Methanol (CH3OH) is another molecule that has uses in everyday materials such as synthetic fabrics and fibers for polyester, which later came to produce clothing. Under IRAS 23385+6053, methanol forms on icy surfaces of grainy dust then under thermal desorption, methanol can be released into a gas; essentially from solid ice into a gas. Although it is a relatively simple organic molecule, methanol is one of the largest molecules ever found in these developing stages. This is the same gas that could be found in fruits and vegetables in low quantities.
In IRAS 23385+6053, other complex organic molecules (COMs) such as dimethyl ether (CH3OCH3) and methyl formate (HCOOCH3) are prebiotic, indicating the potential foundation for life. Especially for the potential to create amino acids and sugars that could be synthesized before the birth of planets.
However, for such evolution, to create even more complex molecules from the other existing ones listed, chemical reactions are required: gas-phase reactions and grain-surface chemistry. The creation of methyl formate occurs with the reaction of methanol and formic acid on dust grains. Once these dust grains form, these molecules can be heated into its gas phase. Then this existing gas can react to other gasses to continue making more complex gasses in its timely manner.
Astrochemists cannot observe these reactions first hand; comprehending the IRAS 23385+6053’s chemistry requires specialists to observe through modeling and instrument usage. Models can simulate the physical consciousness in protostellar settings, and recognize factors: density, radiation fields, and temperatures. Through observational data, astrochemists can infer about these processes and create predictions in hopes to accurately depict the conditions in IRAS 23385+6053.
Modeling has assisted in elucidating the understanding of shocks and UV radiation in shaping its chemical landscape. Shocks are when fastmoving particles clash with another object (e.g. clouds of gas, magnetic fields) which abruptly decreases the particles’ speed and a shock wave occurs. A release of energy occurs in this collision. UV radiation influences from hot stellar objects can alter and accelerate reactions or lead to photodissociation, where compounds can degrade into photons. Models should be able to display such phenomena to show their understanding of overlooked chemistries.
The study of IRAS 23385+6053 is very significant in understanding a star’s life. The chemical composition of protostellar environments creates the beginnings of forming bigger stellar systems, and eventually including other galaxy structures. Recognizing the presence of the existing molecules in protostars can relay patterns and conclusions that can be found upon other cases.
Insights of these given conditions lead to better comprehension of the development of massive stars. These massive stars display the evolution and age of galaxies and the various changes in chemistry that would lead to feedback processes: wind, radiation, and supernova explosions. The IRAS 23385+6053 study provides a fascinating case of chemical processes of a protostar’s beginning life. Overlooked information leads to mishaps and broadness that shrinks understanding. Being able to take in the smaller details enhances mastery of a topic, especially as complex as astronomy. Astronomy continues to be a mystery but with careful speculation, these mysteries can be unraveled.
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