Astrochemistry

This book is the second edition of a successful introductory textbook on the dynamic and fascinating subject of astrochemistry. The first edition, 'Astrochemistry: from Astronomy to Astrobiology', was one of the first and most important contributions to the field which has grown rapidly in the last decade and will continue to do so in the future. This fully revised and updated new edition adopts the logical style to analyse new data and results, including WMAP data and Planck data, to form stimulating discussions in connection with the cosmic microwave background, the exploration of Mars by the orbitors and the rovers, and the work in the Saturnian system by Cassini and the Huygens probe. Questions are raised as to what was found, what might be found, how the data can be interpreted and what the consequences may be for life in the solar system. To reflect the significant increase of orbiting telescopes and their results, the section on telescopes has been updated, localising each telescope to its part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Furthermore, the topic of comet chemistry is extended to include the eagerly awaited arrival at of Rosetta at comet 67P C-G, estimates of albedo, temperature at aphelion and perihelion, and the consequences for energy balance. The book is highly illustrated with diagram and photographs. Each chapter also includes examples of worked examples and problems for students and readers to test their knowledge. Furthermore, interactive online material is available which is being continually updated as new results come out.