Work

Establishing an accurate infrared band strength for the cyanate ion in interstellar ices

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT A prominent infrared (IR) spectral feature near 2165 cm−1 (λ = 4.62 $\mu$m) in interstellar ices has been attributed to the cyanate ion (OCN−) for almost 40 yr, but firm, first-principles solid-phase IR data for quantifying IR-astronomical observations of OCN− in a H2O-rich amorphous ice have never been published. Here we report the first laboratory study that delivers such an IR band strength for OCN− that is reproducible and free of ambiguous uncertainties concerning ice density, thickness, and temperature, providing new quantitative results for both observational and laboratory astronomers. Additional results include the first robust measurements of IR band strengths of isocyanic acid (HNCO), ammonia (NH3), and the ammonium ion (NH4+) in H2O-rich ice.

Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

DOI: 10.1093/mnras/staf192

Authors: Perry A Gerakines, Christopher K Materese, Reggie L Hudson

Institution: Goddard Space Flight Center

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: $3,046

Funders: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Astrobiology Institute, Goddard Space Flight Center, Planetary Science Division