Chemistry of Interstellar Space, The

Alternative title

Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium As Revealed by Spectroscopy, The

Synopsis

A Royal Institution Discourse by Wiliam Klemperer looks at the hordes of molecules in the interstellar medium, seen during radioastronomical observations of our galaxy. The mass of molecules rising between the stars is equivalent to that of 1000 million suns. Extremely fast reactions result in a high abundance of complex organic compounds in the space betwwen the stars. Models of chemical synthesis appropriate to the cold, low density conditions that obtain are used to explain how totally abiotic reactions can produce complex molecules on this enormous scale. The reactions involve cosmic ray induced primary ionisation followed by extremely fast reactions between ions and molecules which result in the high abundance of complex organic compounds. The key lies in the chemistry of the helium ion.

Series

Royal Institution Discourses, Series

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 60 min.

Year of production

1995

Availability

Sale; 2000 sale: £25.00 (+VAT inc. p&p)

Subjects

Chemistry; Space science

Keywords

galaxies; helium; space phenomena

Credits

Writer

William Klemperer

Cast

William Klemperer

Production Company

Name

INCA

Notes

Use for: Independent Communications Associates

Sponsor

Name

BBC Television

Distributor

Name

Vega Science Trust

Email

vega@vega.org.uk

Web

http://www.vega.org.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

01273 678 726

Address

Sussex Innovation Centre
Science Park Square
Brighton
BN1 9SB

Notes

Well-established maker and distributor of more than 200 programmes on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, many of which have been broadcast. Vega’s videos aim to give a fundamental understanding of principles of nature and the physical world. Outstanding scientists/communicators are directly involved with each video so that they can guide content of the programmes. Science is presented in a natural way as an intellectually challenging discipline and the videos fill the gap in TV coverage by presenting well-informed analyses on serious science-related ethical, economic, social, health and other issues. Separate series consist of interviews with eminent scientists, science video lectures, issues of current scientific concern, the Royal Institution Discourses, scientific masterclasses, and recent research projects. Programmes available for free viewing via the website and some also for sale on DVD.