GBT24A-124

A Deep Targeted Line Survey of TMC-1 at X-band - A Pilot Study

Abstract

The study of interstellar chemistry delves into the very origins of molecules in the universe. The modern methodology of detecting molecules through rotational spectroscopy commenced more than half a century ago, driven by a profound question: How well do we truly comprehend the chemistry unfolding in conditions beyond our planet? The GBT is a world leading facility in the field of astrochemistry and the results of the GOTHAM large program have uncovered a rich molecular inventory toward the cold core TMC-1. These discoveries range from 2-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to very long, unsaturated C-chains. Despite all the success, there is still untapped discovery space as our observations are signal-to-noise limited. In this pilot study, we will refine the observing and data analysis routines and techniques necessary for the deepest, spectral line survey of TMC-1 every attempted at X-band with the ultimate goal of continuing to push the boundaries of molecular detection and gain deeper insights into the intriguing molecular complexities contained in TMC-1.

Investigators

Name	Institution
Tony Remijan *	National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Gabi Wenzel	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Brett McGuire	National Radio Astronomy Observatory; Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ilsa Cooke	Rennes 1, Université de
Harshal Gupta	National Science Foundation ; Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Michael McCarthy	Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Alex Byrne	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Kin Long Kelvin Lee	Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
Martin Cordiner	National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Stefanie Milam	National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Steve Charnley	Goddard Space Flight Center
Ryan Loomis	National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Bryan Changala	Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian
CI XUE	Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mark Siebert	Cornell University; Virginia, University of
haley scolati	Virginia, University of

* indicates the PI