Floating in Space: How to Treat the Weak Interaction between CO Molecules in Interstellar Ices.

ABSTRACT: In the interstellar medium, six molecules have been conclusively detected in the solid state in interstellar ices, and a few dozen have been hypothesized and modeled to be present in the solid state as well. The icy mantles covering micrometer-sized dust grains are, in fact, thought to be at the core of complex molecule formation as a consequence of the local high density of molecules that are simultaneously adsorbed. From a structural perspective, the icy mantle is considered to be layered, with an amorphous water-rich inner layer surrounding the dust grain, covered by an amorphous CO-rich outer layer. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that the CO-rich layer might be crystalline and possibly even be segregated as a single crystal atop the ice mantle. If so, there are far-reaching co

SUBMITTER: Ferrari BC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10364131 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature