Work

Exploring the possibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fulleranes as the carrier of the 21 micron emission feature

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction The 21 μ m emission feature discovered in a small sample of carbon-rich protoplanetary nebulae has remained unidentified for over 30 years. A dozen of different molecular species (both organics and inorganics) have been proposed as the carrier candidates of this important feature, among which polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and fulleranes (hydrogenated fullerenes) have yet to be sufficiently examined. Method In this study, we attempt to fit the 21 μ m features in observed spectra of the above-mentioned astronomical sources via theoretically simulated spectra of various PAHs and fulleranes, aiming to investigate whether the two hydrocarbon families can reproduce the 21 μ m feature. Results and Discussion Based on the fitting outcomes we conclude that fulleranes can provide a more plausible explanation for the origin of 21 μ m feature than PAHs.

Source: Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences

DOI: 10.3389/fspas.2024.1489982

Authors: Xuan-Xiang Liao, Yong Zhang, SeyedAbdolreza Sadjadi

Institutions: Sun Yat-sen University, University of Hong Kong

Language: English

Topic: Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,125

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ames Research Center