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Anomalous microwave emission (AME) is a major component of Galactic emission in the frequency band 10–60 GHz and is commonly modelled as rapidly rotating spinning dust grains. The photodissociation region (PDR) at the boundary of the |$\lambda$| -Orionis H  ii region has been identified by several recent analyses as one of the brightest spinning dust-emitting sources in the sky. We investigate the Barnard 30 dark cloud, a dark cloud embedded within the |$\lambda$| -Orionis PDR. We use total-power observations of Barnard 30 from the CO Mapping Array Project (COMAP) pathfinder instrument at 26–34GHz with a resolution of 4.5 arcmin alongside existing data from Planck, WISE, IRAS , ACT, and the 1.447 GHz GALFACTS survey. We use aperture photometry and template fitting to measure the spectral energy distribution of Barnard 30. We find that the spinning dust is the dominant emission component in the 26–34GHz range at the |$6\, \sigma$| level (⁠|$S_{30\, \mathrm{GHz}} = 3.35\pm 0.56$|  Jy). From correlating COMAP data with dust templates we find no evidence that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are the preferred carrier for the spinning dust emission, suggesting that the spinning dust carriers are due to a mixed population of very small grains. Finally, we find evidence for variations in spinning dust emissivity and peak frequency within Barnard 30, and that these variations are possibly driven by changes in dust grain population and the total radiation field. Confirming the origin of the variations in the spinning dust spectrum will require both future COMAP observations at 15 GHz combined with spectroscopic mid-infrared data of Barnard 30. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how stars form, evolve, and impact molecular clouds is key to understanding why star formation is such an inefficient process globally. In this paper, we use the infrared bright fraction, |$f_\text{IRB}$| (the fraction of a given molecular cloud that appears bright against the 8 |$\mu$| m Milky Way background) as a proxy for time evolution to test how cloud properties change as star formation evolves. We apply this metric to 12 000 high-mass star-forming molecular clouds we identify using the Herschel –Hi-GAL survey between |$|\ell |{\lt }70^{\circ }$| on the Milky Way plane. We find clouds are not static while forming stars. Instead, molecular clouds continuously gain mass while star formation progresses. By performing principal component analysis on the cloud properties, we find that they evolve down two paths distinguished by their mass gain. Most clouds (80 per cent) gain four times more mass as a function of |$f_\text{IRB}$|⁠. The remaining 20 per cent experience an extreme period of growth, growing in mass by a factor of 150 on average and during this period, they initially gain mass fast enough to outpace their star formation. For all clouds, it is only after half their area becomes star forming that mass-loss occurs. We expect stellar feedback and potentially galactic shear is responsible. By analysing cloud positions, we suggest that the rate of mass growth may be linked to the larger galactic environment. Altogether, these results have strong implications on how we assess star-forming ability on cloud scales when assuming molecular cloud masses are fixed in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CO-to-H |$_2$| conversion factor (⁠|$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$|⁠) is expected to vary with dust abundance and grain size distribution through the efficiency of shielding gas from CO-dissociation radiation. We present a comprehensive analysis of |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| and grain size distribution for nearby galaxies, using the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction (⁠|$q_\mathrm{PAH}$|⁠) as an observable proxy of grain size distribution. We adopt the resolved observations at 2 kpc resolution in 42 nearby galaxies, where |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| is derived from measured metallicity and surface densities of dust and H i assuming a fixed dust-to-metal ratio. We use an analytical model for the evolution of H |$_2$| and CO, in which the evolution of grain size distribution is controlled by the dense-gas fraction (⁠|$\eta$|⁠). We find that the observed level of |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$| is consistent with the diffuse-gas-dominated model (⁠|$\eta =0.2$|⁠) where dust shattering is more efficient. Meanwhile, the slight decreasing trend of observed |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$| with metallicity is more consistent with high- |$\eta$| predictions, likely due to the more efficient loss of PAHs by coagulation. We discuss how grain size distribution (indicated by |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$|⁠) and metallicity impact |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$|⁠ ; we, however, did not obtain conclusive evidence that the grain size distribution affects |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$|⁠. Observations and model predictions show similar anticorrelation between |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| and 12 + log(O/H). Meanwhile, there is a considerable difference in how resolved |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| behaves with |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$|⁠. The observed |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| has a positive correlation with |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$|⁠ , while the model-predicted |$\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$| does not have a definite correlation with |$q_\mathrm{PAH}$|⁠. This difference is likely due to the limitation of one-zone treatment in the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the star-formation process has been studied for decades, many important aspects of the physics involved remain unsolved. Recent advancements in instrumentation in the infrared, far-infrared, and sub-millimeter-wavelength regimes have contributed to a significantly improved understanding of processes in the interstellar medium (ISM) leading to star formation. The future of research on the ISM and star formation looks exciting with instruments like the JWST, ALMA, etc., already contributing to the topic by gathering high-resolution high-sensitivity data and with several larger ground- and space-bound facilities either being planned or constructed. India has a sizable number of astronomers engaged in research on topics related to the ISM and star formation. In this white paper invited by the Astronomical Society of India to prepare a vision document for Indian astronomy, we review the Indian contributions to the global understanding of the star-formation process and suggest areas that require focused efforts both in creating observing facilities and in the theoretical front in India, to improve the impact of our research in the coming decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Interstellar ices and their energetic processing play an important role in advancing the chemical complexity in space. Interstellar ices covering dust grains are intrinsically mixed, and it is assumed that physicochemical changes induced by energetic processing – triggered by photons, electrons, and ions – strongly depend on the content of the ice. Yet, the modelling of these complex mixed systems in experiments and theory is complicated. Aims. In this paper, we investigate the effect of infrared irradiation on a series of different molecules mixed with porous amorphous solid water (pASW) to study the release of vibrational energy in the hydrogen-bonding network of water as a function of mixing ratio and ice content. Particularly, we select mixtures of 20:1 H2O:X and 5:1 H2O:X with X=CO2, NH3, or CH4. Methods. Infrared radiation was supplied by the intense and tunable free electron laser (FEL) 2 at the HFML-FELIX facility. We monitored the structural changes in the interstellar ice analogue after resonant infrared excitation using Fourier-transform reflection absorption infrared (FT-RAIR) spectroscopy. Results. We observed that on-resonance irradiation at the OH-stretching vibration of pASW results in quantitatively identical changes compared to pure pASW for all investigated mixtures. The structural changes we observed closely resemble the previously reported local reordering. The 5:1 mixtures show weaker changes compared to pure pASW, with a decrease in strength from NH3 to CO2. Conclusions. Since the hydrogen-bonding network of pASW restructures similarly upon FEL irradiation, regardless of the mixing component, treating ice layers in models that simulate energy dissipation in the hydrogen-bonding network as pure H2O ice layers can be a justified approximation. Hence, complex systems might not always be necessary to describe the infrared energetic processing of ices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The Planck mission provided all-sky dust emission maps in the submillimeter (submm) to millimeter (mm) range at an angular resolution of 5′. In addition, some specific sources can be observed at long wavelengths and higher resolution using ground-based telescopes. These observations are limited to small scales and are sometimes not delivered to the community. These ground-based observations require extensive data processing before they become available for scientific analysis, and suffer from extended emission filtering. Aims. At present, we are still unable to fully understand the emissivity variations observed in different astrophysical environments at long (submm and mm) wavelengths. Several models have been developed to reproduce the diffuse Galactic medium, and each distinct environment requires an adjustment of the models. It is therefore challenging to estimate any dust emission in the submm-mm at a better resolution than the 5′ from Planck. In this analysis, based on supervised deep learning algorithms, we produced dust emission predictions in the two Planck bands centered at 850 µm (353 GHz) and 1.38 mm (217 GHz) at the Herschel resolution (37″). Prediction or forecasting is a frequently used term in machine learning or neural network research that refers to the output of an algorithm that has been trained on a given dataset and that is being used for modeling purposes. Methods. Herschel data of Galactic environments, ranging from 160 µm to 500 µm and smoothed to an angular resolution of 5′, were used to train the neural network. This training aimed to provide the most accurate model for reproducing Planck maps of dust emission at 850 µm and 1.38 mm. Then, using Herschel data only, the model was applied to predict dust emission maps at 37″. Results. The neural network is capable of reproducing dust emission maps of various Galactic environments with a difference of only a few percent at the Planck resolution. Remarkably, it also performs well for nearby extragalactic environments. This could indicate that large dust grains, probed by submm or mm observations, have similar properties in both our Galaxy and nearby galaxies, or at least that their spectral behaviors are comparable in Galactic and extragalactic environments. For the first time, we provide to the community dust emission prediction maps at 850 µm and 1.38 mm at the 37″ of several surveys: Hi-GAL, Gould Belt, Cold Cores, HERITAGE, Helga, HerM33es, KINGFISH, and Very Nearby Galaxies. The ratio of these two wavelength brightness bands reveals a derived emissivity spectral index statistically close to 1 for all the surveys, which favors the hypothesis of a flattened dust emission spectrum for wavelengths larger than 850 µm. Conclusions. Neural networks appear to be powerful algorithms that are highly efficient at learning from large datasets and achieving accurate reproductions with a deviation of only a few percent. However, to fully recover the input data during the training, it is essential to sample a sufficiently large range of datasets and physical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent detection of CN-functionalized aromatics partly addresses the long-standing mystery of the apparent absence of five- and six-membered rings in interstellar environments. Nitrogen (N)-heterocycles, which are crucial as the fundamental structures of nucleobases, have been a focus of these aromatic searches due to their biological significance. Although N-heterocycles have not been conclusively detected in astrophysical environments, their presence in chondrites and meteorites signifies their interstellar and circumstellar connection. Precise spectral data identify the unique signatures of molecules, confirming their presence in space. In this light, this work reports an extensive computational investigation on interstellar 3-pyrroline, a five-membered ring N-heterocycle. This includes an alternative formation route in cold interstellar environments and highly accurate rotational and vibrational spectroscopy. The results indicate that 3-pyrroline can form on dust grain surfaces from vinyl cyanide, as its formation from pyrrole through double hydrogenation may lead to the formation of pyrrole itself via an H2-abstraction process. 3-Pyrroline's rotational transition at 52.3 GHz offers a potential tool for its detection in cold interstellar regions. Additionally, the strongest infrared (IR) features of 3-pyrroline at 16.09 and |$\sim$| 3.50 |$\mu$| m are observable with JWST. The provided data are crucial for laboratory identification and future interstellar observations of 3-pyrroline at both radio and IR wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Carbonyl sulfide (OCS) is widely observed in the gas phase toward star-forming regions and was the first of the only two sulfur-bearing species to be detected in interstellar ices so far. However, the chemical network governing its formation is still not fully understood. While the sulfurization of CO and the oxidation of CS are often invoked to form OCS, other mechanisms could have a significant contribution. In particular, the multistep reaction involving CO and SH is a good candidate for forming a significant portion of the OCS in dense cloud environments. Aims. We aim to constrain the viability of the CO + SH route for forming solid OCS in the interstellar medium, in a similar manner as CO + OH is known to produce CO2 ice. This is achieved by conducting a systematic laboratory investigation of the targeted reactions on interstellar ice analogs under dense cloud conditions. Methods. We used an ultrahigh vacuum chamber to simultaneously deposit CO, H2S, and atomic H at 10 K. SH radicals produced in situ via hydrogen abstraction from H2S reacted with CO to form OCS. We monitored the ice composition during deposition and subsequent warm-up by means of Fourier-transform reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). Complementarily, desorbed species were recorded with a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) during temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments. Control experiments were performed to secure the product identification. We also explored the effect of different H2S:CO mixing ratios – with decreasing H2S concentrations – on the OCS formation yield. Results. OCS is efficiently formed through surface reactions involving CO, H2S, and H atoms. The suggested underlying mechanism behind OCS formation is CO + SH → HSCO, followed by HSCO + H → OCS + H2. The OCS yield reduces slowly, but remains significant with increasing CO:H2S mixing ratios (CO:H2S = 1:1, 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1). Conclusions. Our experiments provide unambiguous evidence that OCS can be formed from CO + SH in the presence of H atoms. This route remains efficient for large H2S dilutions (5% with respect to CO), suggesting that it is a viable mechanism in interstellar ices. Given that SH radicals can be created in clouds over a wide evolutionary timescale, this mechanism could make a non-negligible contribution to the formation of interstellar OCS ice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent detection of ethanolamine (EtA, HOCH |$_2$| CH |$_2$| NH |$_2$|⁠), a key component of phospholipids, i.e. the building blocks of cell membranes, in the interstellar medium is in line with an exogenous origin of life-relevant molecules. However, the stability and survivability of EtA molecules under inter/circumstellar and Solar System conditions have yet to be demonstrated. Starting from the assumption that EtA mainly forms on interstellar ice grains, we have systematically exposed EtA, pure and mixed with amorphous water (H |$_2$| O) ice, to electron, ion, and thermal processing, representing 'energetic' mechanisms that are known to induce physicochemical changes within the ice material under controlled laboratory conditions. Using infrared (IR) spectroscopy, we have found that heating of pure EtA ice causes a phase change from amorphous to crystalline at 180 K, and further temperature increase of the ice results in sublimation-induced losses until full desorption occurs at about 225 K. IR and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectra of EtA-containing ices deposited and irradiated at 20 K with 1 keV electrons as well as IR spectra of H |$_2$| O:EtA mixed ice obtained after 1 MeV He |$^+$| ion irradiation have been collected at different doses. The main radiolysis products, including H |$_2$| O, CO, CO |$_2$|⁠ , NH |$_3$|⁠ , and CH |$_3$| OH, have been identified and their formation pathways are discussed. The measured column density of EtA is demonstrated to undergo exponential decay upon electron and ion bombardment. The half-life doses for electron and He |$^+$| ion irradiation of pure EtA and H |$_2$| O:EtA mixed ice are derived to range between |$10.8\!-\!26.3$|  eV/16u. Extrapolating these results to space conditions, we conclude that EtA mixed in H |$_2$| O ice is more stable than in pure form and it should survive throughout the star and planet formation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

JWST /NIRCam obtained high angular resolution (0.05–0.1 arcsec), deep near-infrared 1–5  |$\mu$| m imaging of Supernova (SN) 1987A taken 35 yr after the explosion. In the NIRCam images, we identify: (1) faint H2 crescents, which are emissions located between the ejecta and the equatorial ring, (2) a bar, which is a substructure of the ejecta, and (3) the bright 3–5  |$\mu$| m continuum emission exterior to the equatorial ring. The emission of the remnant in the NIRCam 1–2.3  |$\mu$| m images is mostly due to line emission, which is mostly emitted in the ejecta and in the hotspots within the equatorial ring. In contrast, the NIRCam 3–5  |$\mu$| m images are dominated by continuum emission. In the ejecta, the continuum is due to dust, obscuring the centre of the ejecta. In contrast, in the ring and exterior to the ring, synchrotron emission contributes a substantial fraction to the continuum. Dust emission contributes to the continuum at outer spots and diffuse emission exterior to the ring, but little within the ring. This shows that dust cooling and destruction time-scales are shorter than the synchrotron cooling time-scale, and the time-scale of hydrogen recombination in the ring is even longer than the synchrotron cooling time-scale. With the advent of high sensitivity and high angular resolution images provided by JWST /NIRCam, our observations of SN 1987A demonstrate that NIRCam opens up a window to study particle-acceleration and shock physics in unprecedented details, probed by near-infrared synchrotron emission, building a precise picture of how an SN evolves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmic very small dust grains (VSGs) contain 100 to 10000 atoms, making them a mesoscopic system with specific thermal and optical characteristics due to the finite number of atoms within each grain. This paper focuses on graphite VSGs which contain free electrons. The energy level statistics devised by Kubo (1962 , J. Phys. Soc. Jpn. 17, 975) are used for the first time to understand the thermal properties of free electrons in graphite VSGs. We show that the shape irregularity of the grains allows graphite VSGs to absorb or emit photons at submillimeter wavelengths or longer; otherwise, the frequency is limited to above a few THz. Additionally, we consider the decrease in Debye temperature due to the surface effect. VSGs have an extremely small volume, resulting in limited thermal energy storage, especially at low temperatures. Since a VSG is able to emit a photon with energy smaller than its internal energy, this determines the maximum frequency of the emitted photon. We develop a Monte Carlo simulation code to track the thermal history of a dust grain, considering the stochastic heating from the absorption of ambient photons and radiative cooling. This approach is applied to the interstellar environment to compute the spectral energy distributions from the interstellar graphite dust grains. The results show that graphite VSGs emit not only the mid-infrared excess emission, but also a surplus emission from submillimeter to millimeter wavelengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient theoretical investigation is being conducted on the spectroscopic characteristics within the infrared wavelength range of SiP, an identified interstellar molecule. Using the ic-MRCI method, potential energy functions and dipole moment functions for the ground state (⁠|${X^2}\Pi $|⁠) and low excited states (⁠|${{\rm{A}}^2}{\Sigma ^ + }$|⁠) of the SiP molecule were calculated. Based on experimental spectroscopy data, least squares fitting was used for the potential energy functions of the |${X^2}\Pi $| and |${{\rm{A}}^2}{\Sigma ^ + }$| states. By combining these potential energy and dipole moment functions, the one-dimensional Schrödinger equation was solved to obtain the vibronic energy levels and Einstein A coefficients for the electronic states. Partition functions of the SiP molecule from 0.1 to 3000 K and the radiative properties of |${X^2}\Pi \leftrightarrow {X^2}\Pi $| and |${X^{\rm{2}}}\Pi \leftrightarrow {{\rm{A}}^2}{\Sigma ^ + }$| were derived. Infrared spectroscopy of the |${X^2}\Pi $| state and ultraviolet spectroscopy of the |${X^{\rm{2}}}\Pi \leftrightarrow {{\rm{A}}^2}{\Sigma ^ + }$| transition at 100 K, a temperature crucial for astronomical research, were calculated. Results indicate that the spectral-line intensity of the |${X^{\rm{2}}}\Pi \leftrightarrow {{\rm{A}}^2}{\Sigma ^ + }$| transition is greater, making it more suitable for astronomical observation. The obtained computational results in this paper yield spectroscopic parameters for the characterization of the interstellar molecule SiP, furnishing theoretical underpinnings for subsequent experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a systematic study of mid-infrared spectra of galaxies including star-forming galaxies and active galactic nuclei observed with JWST MIRI-MRS and NIRSpec-IFU. We focus on the relative variations of the 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 11.3, 12.7, and 17 |$\mu$| m polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) features within spatially resolved regions of galaxies including NGC 3256, NGC 7469, VV 114, II Zw96, and NGC 5728. Using theoretical PAH models and extending our earlier work, we introduce a new PAH diagnostic involving the 17 |$\mu$| m PAH feature. To determine the drivers of PAH band variations in galaxies, we compare observed PAH spectral bands to predictions from theoretical PAH models. We consider extinction, dehydrogenation, and PAH size and charge as possible drivers of PAH band variations. We find a surprising uniformity in PAH size distribution among the spatially resolved regions of the galaxies studied here, with no evidence for preferential destruction of the smallest grains, contrary to earlier findings. Neither extinction nor dehydrogenation play a crucial role in setting the observed PAH bands. Instead, we find that PAH charge plays a significant role in PAH inter-band variations. We find a tight relation between PAH charge and the intensity of the radiation field as traced by the [Ne  iii ] |$/$| [Ne  ii ] maps. In agreement with recent JWST results, we find a predominance of neutral PAH molecules in the nuclei of active galaxies and their outflows. Ionized PAHs are the dominant population in star-forming galaxies. We discuss the implications of our findings for the use of PAHs as ISM tracers in high redshift galaxies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We perform an infrared (IR) spectral and visible morphological study of two young planetary nebulae (YPNe) Hen 2-73 and Hen 2-96 using archival Spitzer Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations to understand their dust properties and nebular structures. High-resolution HST images of these nebulae show several bipolar lobes and ionised tori in the central regions of both objects. The presence of these multi-lobe structures suggests that the formation process of these nebulae is complex. To search for a possible link between the central sources and multipolar appearances of these objects, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) observations are used to examine whether their central stars (CSs) exhibit periodic photometric variations. In the TESS observations, the CS light curve of Hen 2-96 shows a photometric variation with a period of 2.23 h. The IR spectra of these two YPNe suggest that the nebulae have mixed dust environments, which are associated with the presence of dense tori created by central binary interactions in these objects. Two three-dimensional models are constructed to study the complex nebular structures of the YPNe. These simulations suggest that the number of multipolar YPNe may be larger than observed. In addition, we analyse the spectral energy distributions of these nebulae to study their gas, dust, and photospheric components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Mid-infrared emission features are important probes of the properties of ionized gas and hot or warm molecular gas, which are difficult to probe at other wavelengths. The Orion Bar photodissociation region (PDR) is a bright, nearby, and frequently studied target containing large amounts of gas under these conditions. Under the "PDRs4All" Early Release Science Program for JWST, a part of the Orion Bar was observed with MIRI integral field unit (IFU) spectroscopy, and these high-sensitivity IR spectroscopic images of very high angular resolution (0.2″) provide a rich observational inventory of the mid-infrared (MIR) emission lines, while resolving the H II region, the ionization front, and multiple dissociation fronts. Aims. We list, identify, and measure the most prominent gas emission lines in the Orion Bar using the new MIRI IFU data. An initial analysis summarizes the physical conditions of the gas and demonstrates the potential of these new data and future IFU observations with JWST. Methods. The MIRI IFU mosaic spatially resolves the substructure of the PDR, its footprint cutting perpendicularly across the ionization front and three dissociation fronts. We performed an up-to-date data reduction, and extracted five spectra that represent the ionized, atomic, and molecular gas layers. We identified the observed lines through a comparison with theoretical line lists derived from atomic data and simulated PDR models. The identified species and transitions are summarized in the main table of this work, with measurements of the line intensities and central wavelengths. Results. We identified around 100 lines and report an additional 18 lines that remain unidentified. The majority consists of H I recombination lines arising from the ionized gas layer bordering the PDR. The H I line ratios are well matched by emissivity coefficients from H recombination theory, but deviate by up to 10% because of contamination by He I lines. We report the observed emission lines of various ionization stages of Ne, P, S, Cl, Ar, Fe, and Ni. We show how the Ne III/Ne II, S IV/S III, and Ar III/Ar II ratios trace the conditions in the ionized layer bordering the PDR, while Fe III/Fe II and Ni III/Ni II exhibit a different behavior, as there are significant contributions to Fe II and Ni II from the neutral PDR gas. We observe the pure-rotational H2 lines in the vibrational ground state from 0–0 S(1) to 0–0 S (8), and in the first vibrationally excited state from 1–1 S (5) to 1–1 S(9). We derive H2 excitation diagrams, and for the three observed dissociation fronts, the rotational excitation can be approximated with one thermal (~700 K) component representative of an average gas temperature, and one nonthermal component (~2700 K) probing the effect of UV pumping. We compare these results to an existing model of the Orion Bar PDR, and find that the predicted excitation matches the data qualitatively, while adjustments to the parameters of the PDR model are required to reproduce the intensity of the 0–0 S (6) to S (8) lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Accretion and ejection dictate the outcomes of star and planet formation processes. The mid-infrared (MIR) wavelength range offers key tracers of processes that have been difficult to detect and spatially resolve in protostars until now. Aims. We aim to characterize the interplay between accretion and ejection in the low-mass Class I protobinary system TMC1, comprising two young stellar objects: TMC1-W and TMC1-E at a 85 au separation. Methods. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) observations in 5–28 μm range, we measured the intensities of emission lines of H2, atoms, and ions, for instance, the [Fe II] and [Ne II], and HI recombination lines. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the different species using the MIRI Medium Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) capabilities to spatially resolve emission at 0″​​.2–0″​​.7 scales. we compared these results with the corresponding Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) maps tracing cold gas and dust. Results. We detected H2 outflow coming from TMC1-E, with no significant H2 emission from TMC1-W. The H2 emission from TMC1-E outflow appears narrow and extends to wider opening angles with decreasing Eup from S(8) to S(1) rotational transitions, indicating the disk wind as its origin. The outflow from TMC1-E protostar shows spatially extended emission lines of [Ne II], [Ne III], [Ar II], and [Ar III], with their line ratios consistent with UV radiation as a source of ionization. With ALMA, we detected an accretion streamer infalling from > 1000 au scales onto the TMC1-E component. The TMC1-W protostar powers a collimated jet, detected with [Fe II] and [Ni II], making it consistent with energetic flow. A much weaker ionized jet is observed from TMC1-E, and both jets appear strikingly parallel to each other, indicating that the disks are co-planar. TMC1-W is associated with strong emission from hydrogen recombination lines, tracing the accretion onto the young star. Conclusions. MIRI-MRS observations provide an unprecedented view of protostellar accretion and ejection processes on 20 au scales. Observations of a binary Class I protostellar system show that the two processes are clearly intertwined, with accretion from the envelope onto the disk influencing a wide-angle wind ejected on disk scales. Finally, the accretion from the protostellar disk onto the protostar is associated with the source launching a collimated high-velocity jet within the innermost regions of the disk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The solid-state C2H2 chemistry in interstellar H2O-rich ice has been proposed to explain astronomically observed complex organic molecules (COMs), including ketene (CH2CO), acetaldehyde (CH3CHO), and ethanol (CH3CH2OH), toward early star-forming regions. This formation mechanism is supported by recent laboratory studies and theoretical calculations for the reactions of C2H2+OH/H. However, the analog reaction of C2H2+NH2 forming N-bearing species has been suggested to have a relatively low rate constant that is orders of magnitude lower than the value of C2H2+OH. Aims. This work extends our previous laboratory studies on O-bearing COM formation to investigate the interactions between C2H2 and NH3 ice triggered by cosmic ray-induced secondary UV photons under molecular cloud conditions. Methods. Experiments were performed in an ultra-high vacuum chamber to investigate the UV photolysis of the C2H2:NH3 ice mixture at 10 K. The ongoing chemistry was monitored in situ by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as a function of photon fluence. The IR spectral identification of the newly formed N-bearing products was further secured by a quadrupole mass spectrometer during the temperature-programmed desorption experiment. Results. The studied ice chemistry of C2 H2 with NH2 radicals and H atoms resulting from the UV photodissociation of NH3 leads to the formation of several N-bearing COMs, including vinylamine (CH2CHNH2), acetaldimine (CH3CHNH), acetonitrile (CH3CN), ketenimine (CH2CNH), and tentatively ethylamine (CH3CH2NH2). The experimental results show an immediate and abundant CH2CHNH2 yield as the first-generation product, which is further converted into other chemical derivatives. The effective destruction and formation cross-section values of parent species and COMs were derived, and we discuss the chemical links among these molecules and their astronomical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have mapped the magnetic field (B -field) for a region of about 30 pc around the centre of our Galaxy, which encompasses the circumnuclear disc (CND), the minispiral, and the 20 and 50 km s−1 molecular clouds, using thermal dust polarization observations obtained from SOFIA/HAWC+ and JCMT/SCUPOL. We decompose the spectra of 12CO (J = 3 → 2) transition from this region into individual cloud components and find the polarization observed at different wavelengths might be tracing completely different layers of dust along the line of sight. We use modified Davis–Chandrasekhar–Fermi methods to measure the strength of B -field projected in the plane of the sky (⁠|$B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}$|⁠). The mean |$B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}$| of the CND and the minispiral, probed at 53 μ m is of the order of ∼2 mG. |$B_{{}_{\mathrm{POS}}}\!\!\!\lt \!1$| mG close to the Galactic Centre, in the region of the ionized mini-cavity within the CND, and increases outwards. However, the longer wavelength polarization at 216 μ m appears to come from a dust layer that is cooler and behind the CND and has a stronger B -field of about 7 mG. The B -field strength is lowest along the Eastern Arm of the minispiral, which is also the only region with Alfvén Mach number, |$\mathcal {M}_{\mathrm{A}}\gt 1$| and mass-to-flux ratio, λ ≳ 1. Such an observed weak B -field could be a result of the low resolution of the observation, where the tangled B -fields due to the strong turbulence in the high density clumps of the CND are lost within the beam size of the observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular clouds are the prime locations of star formation. These clouds contain filamentary structures and cores which are crucial in the formation of young stars. In this work, we aim to quantify the physical properties of structural characteristics within the molecular cloud L1251 to better understand the initial conditions for star formation. We applied the getsf algorithm to identify cores and filaments within the molecular cloud L1251 using the Herschel multi-band dust continuum image, enabling us to measure their respective physical properties. Additionally, we utilized an enhanced differential term algorithm to produce high-resolution temperature maps and column density maps with a resolution of 13.5 ′ ′ . We identified 122 cores in the region. Of those, 23 are protostellar cores, 13 are robust prestellar cores, 32 are candidate prestellar cores (including 13 robust prestellar cores and 19 strictly candidate prestellar cores), and 67 are unbound starless cores. getsf also found 147 filament structures in the region. Statistical analysis of the physical properties (mass (M), temperature (T), size and core brightness (hereafter, we are using the word luminosity (L)) for the core brightness) of obtained cores shows a negative correlation between core mass and temperature and a positive correlation between (M/L) and (M/T). Analysis of the filaments gives a median width of 0.14 pc and no correlation between width and length. Out of those 122 cores, 92 are present in filaments (∼ 75.4%) and the remaining were outside them. Out of the cores present in filaments, 57 (∼ 62%) cores are present in supercritical filaments ( M line > 16 M ⊙ / pc ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanometre- to micrometre-sized solid dust particles play a vital role in star and planet formations. Despite of their importance, however, our understanding of physical and chemical properties of dust particles is still provisional. We have conducted a condensation experiment of the vapour generated from a solid starting material having nearly cosmic proportions in elements. A laser flash heating and subsequent cooling has produced a diverse type of nanoparticles simultaneously. Here we introduce four types of nanoparticles as potential dust particles in space: amorphous silicate nanoparticles (type S); core/mantle nanoparticles with iron or hydrogenized iron core and amorphous silicate mantle (type IS); silicon oxycarbide nanoparticles and hydrogenized silicon oxycarbide nanoparticles (type SiOC); and carbon nanoparticles (type C), all produced in a single heating–cooling event. Type IS and SiOC nanoparticles are new for potential astrophysical dust. The nanoparticles are aggregated to a wide variety of structures: compact, fluffy, and networked. A simultaneous formation of these nanoparticles, which are diverse in chemistry, shape, and structure, prompts a re-evaluation of astrophysical dust particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the detection of extended (> 0.5–1 kpc) high-ionization [Mg IV] 4.487 μm (80 eV) emission in four local luminous infrared galaxies observed with JWST/NIRSpec. Excluding the nucleus and outflow of the Type 1 active galactic nucleus (AGN) in the sample, we find that the [Mg IV] luminosity is well correlated with that of H recombination lines, which mainly trace star-forming clumps in these objects, and that the [Ar VI] 4.530 μm (75 eV), usually seen in AGN, is undetected. On 100–400 pc scales, the [Mg IV] line profiles are broader (σ([Mg IV]) = 90 ± 25 km s−1) and shifted (Δv up to ±50 km s−1) compared to those of the H recombination lines and lower ionization transitions (e.g., σ(Hu-12) = 57 ± 15 km s−1). The [Mg IV] kinematics follow the large-scale rotating velocity field of these galaxies, and the broad [Mg IV] profiles are compatible with the broad wings detected in the H recombination lines. Based on these observational results, extended highly ionized gas more turbulent than the ambient interstellar medium, possibly a result of ionizing shocks associated with star formation, is the most likely origin of the [Mg IV] emission. We also computed new grids of photoionization and shock models to investigate where the [Mg IV] line originates. Shocks with velocities of 100–130 km s−1 reproduce the observed line ratios and the [Mg IV] luminosity agrees with that expected from the mechanical energy released by supernove (SNe) in these regions. Therefore, these models support shocks induced by SNe as the origin of the [Mg IV] line. Future studies on the stellar feedback from SNe will benefit from the [Mg IV] line that is little affected by obscuration and, in the absence of an AGN, can only be produced by shocks due to its high ionization-potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Interstellar dust particles, in particular carbonaceous nano-grains (like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes, and amorphous hydrogenated carbon), are critical players for the composition, energy budget, and dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM). The dust properties, specifically the composition and size of dust grains are not static; instead, they exhibit considerable evolution triggered by variations in local physical conditions such as the density and gas temperature within the ISM, as is the case in photon-dominated regions (PDRs). The evolution of dust and its impact on the local physical and chemical conditions is thus a key question for understanding the first stages of star formation. Aims. From the extensive spectral and imaging data of the JWST PDRs4All program, we study the emission of dust grains within the Orion Bar – a well-known, highly far-UV (FUV)-irradiated PDR situated at the intersection between cold, dense molecular clouds, and warm ionized regions. The Orion Bar because of its edge-on geometry provides an exceptional benchmark for characterizing dust evolution and the associated driving processes under varying physical conditions. Our goal is to constrain the local properties of dust by comparing its emission to models. Taking advantage of the recent JWST data, in particular the spectroscopy of dust emission, we identify new constraints on dust and further previous works of dust modelling. Methods. To characterize interstellar dust across the Orion Bar, we follow its emission as traced by JWST NIRCam (at 3.35 and 4.8 μm) and MIRI (at 7.7, 11.3, 15.0, and 25.5 μm) broad band images, along with NIRSpec and MRS spectroscopic observations. First, we constrain the minimum size and hydrogen content of carbon nano-grains from a comparison between the observed dust emission spectra and the predictions of the Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar Solids (THEMIS) coupled to the numerical code DustEM. Using this dust model, we then perform 3D radiative transfer simulations of dust emission with the SOC code (Scattering with OpenCL) and compare to data obtained along well chosen profiles across the Orion Bar. Results. The JWST data allows us, for the first time, to spatially resolve the steep variation of dust emission at the illuminated edge of the Orion Bar PDR. By considering a dust model with carbonaceous nano-grains and submicronic coated silicate grains, we derive unprecedented constraints on the properties of across the Orion Bar. To explain the observed emission profiles with our simulations, we find that the nano-grains must be strongly depleted with an abundance (relative to the gas) 15 times less than in the diffuse ISM. The NIRSpec and MRS spectroscopic observations reveal variations in the hydrogenation of the carbon nano-grains. The lowest hydrogenation levels are found in the vicinity of the illuminating stars suggesting photo-processing while more hydrogenated nano-grains are found in the cold and dense molecular region, potentially indicative of larger grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Extraordinary observations of the Orion Bar by JWST have shown, for the first time, the incredible richness of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission bands and their variation on very small scales. These variations are the result of photochemical evolution of the PAH carrier. Aims. We aim to probe the photochemical evolution of PAHs across the key zones of the ideal photodissociation region (PDR) that is the Orion Bar using unsupervised machine learning. Methods. We used JWST NIRSpec IFU and MIRI MRS observations of the Orion Bar from the JWST Early Release Science programme PDRs4All (ID: 1288). We levered bisecting k-means clustering to generate highly detailed spatial maps of the spectral variability in the 3.2–3.6, 5.95–6.6, 7.25–8.95, and 10.9–11.63 μm wavelength regions. We analysed and subsequently described the variations in the cluster profiles and connected them to the conditions of the physical locations from which they arise. We interpreted the origin of the observed variations with respect to the following key zones: the H II region, the atomic PDR zone, and the layers of the molecular PDR zone stratified by the first, second, and third dissociation fronts (DF 1, DF 2, and DF 3, respectively). Results. Observed PAH emission exhibits spectral variation that is highly dependent on the spatial position in the PDR. We find the 8.6 μm band to behave differently than all other bands, which vary systematically with one another. Notably, we find a uniform variation in the 3.4–3.6 μm bands and 3.4/3.3 intensity ratio. We attribute the carrier of the 3.4–3.6 μm bands to a single side group attached to very similarly sized PAHs. Further, cluster profiles reveal a transition between characteristic profile classes of the 11.2 μm feature from the atomic to the molecular PDR zones. We find the carriers of each of the profile classes to be independent, and reason the latter to be PAH clusters existing solely deep in the molecular PDR. Clustering also reveals a connection between the 11.2 and 6.2 μm bands and that clusters generated from variation in the 10.9–11.63 μm region can be used to recover those in the 5.95–6.6 μm region. Conclusions. Clustering is a powerful and comprehensive tool for characterising PAH spectral variability on both spatial and spectral scales. For individual bands as well as global spectral behaviours, we find ultraviolet processing to be the most important driver of the evolution of PAHs and their spectral signatures in the Orion Bar PDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The infrared (IR) range is extremely useful in the context of chemical abundance studies of the gas-phase interstellar medium (ISM) due to the large variety of ionic species traced in this regime, the negligible effects from dust attenuation or temperature stratification, and the amount of data that has been and will be released in the coming years. Aims. Taking advantage of available IR emission lines, we analysed the chemical content of the gas-phase ISM in a sample of 131 star-forming galaxies (SFGs) and 73 active galactic nuclei (AGNs). In particular, we derived the chemical content via their total oxygen abundance in combination with nitrogen and sulphur abundances, and with the ionisation parameter. Methods. We used a new version of the code HII-CHI-MISTRY-IR v3.1, which allowed us to estimate log(N/O), 12+log(O/H), log(U) and, for the first time, 12+log(S/H) from IR emission lines, which can be applied to both SFGs and AGNs. We tested whether the estimates from this new version, which only considers sulphur lines for the derivation of sulphur abundances, are compatible with previous studies. Results. While most of the SFGs and AGNs show solar log(N/O) abundances, we find a large spread in the log(S/O) relative abundances. Specifically, we find extremely low log(S/O) values (1/10 solar) in some SFGs and AGNs with solar-like oxygen abundances. This result warns against the use of optical and IR sulphur emission lines to estimate oxygen abundances when no prior estimation of log(S/O) is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. JWST has taken the sharpest and most sensitive infrared (IR) spectral imaging observations ever of the Orion Bar photodis-sociation region (PDR), which is part of the nearest massive star-forming region the Orion Nebula, and often considered to be the 'prototypical' strongly illuminated PDR. Aims. We investigate the impact of radiative feedback from massive stars on their natal cloud and focus on the transition from the H II region to the atomic PDR – crossing the ionisation front (IF) –, and the subsequent transition to the molecular PDR – crossing the dissociation front (DF). Given the prevalence of PDRs in the interstellar medium and their dominant contribution to IR radiation, understanding the response of the PDR gas to far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons and the associated physical and chemical processes is fundamental to our understanding of star and planet formation and for the interpretation of any unresolved PDR as seen by JWST. Methods. We used high-resolution near-IR integral field spectroscopic data from NIRSpec on JWST to observe the Orion Bar PDR as part of the PDRs4All JWST Early Release Science programme. We constructed a 3″ × 25″' spatio-spectral mosaic covering 0.97– 5.27 μm at a spectral resolution R of ~2700 and an angular resolution of 0.075″–0.173″. To study the properties of key regions captured in this mosaic, we extracted five template spectra in apertures centred on the three H2 dissociation fronts, the atomic PDR, and the H II region. This wealth of detailed spatial-spectral information was analysed in terms of variations in the physical conditions-incident UV field, density, and temperature – of the PDR gas. Results. The NIRSpec data reveal a forest of lines including, but not limited to, He I, H I , and C I recombination lines; ionic lines (e.g. Fe III and Fe II); O I and N I fluorescence lines; aromatic infrared bands (AIBs, including aromatic CH, aliphatic CH, and their CD counterparts); pure rotational and ro-vibrational lines from H2; and ro-vibrational lines from HD, CO, and CH+, with most of them having been detected for the first time towards a PDR. Their spatial distribution resolves the H and He ionisation structure in the Huygens region, gives insight into the geometry of the Bar, and confirms the large-scale stratification of PDRs. In addition, we observed numerous smaller-scale structures whose typical size decreases with distance from θ1 Ori C and IR lines from C I , if solely arising from radiative recombination and cascade, reveal very high gas temperatures (a few 1000 K) consistent with the hot irradiated surface of small-scale dense clumps inside the PDR. The morphology of the Bar, in particular that of the H2 lines, reveals multiple prominent filaments that exhibit different characteristics. This leaves the impression of a 'terraced' transition from the predominantly atomic surface region to the CO-rich molecular zone deeper in. We attribute the different characteristics of the H2 filaments to their varying depth into the PDR and, in some cases, not reaching the C+/C/CO transition. These observations thus reveal what local conditions are required to drive the physical and chemical processes needed to explain the different characteristics of the DFs and the photochemical evolution of the AIB carriers. Conclusions. This study showcases the discovery space created by JWST to further our understanding of the impact radiation from young stars has on their natal molecular cloud and proto-planetary disk, which touches on star and planet formation as well as galaxy evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared (IR) images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). Aims. We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet (FUV) photons with molecular clouds. The transitions across the ionization front (IF), dissociation front (DF), and the molecular cloud are studied at high-angular resolution. These transitions are relevant to understanding the effects of radiative feedback from massive stars and the dominant physical and chemical processes that lead to the IR emission that JWST will detect in many Galactic and extragalactic environments. Methods. We utilized NIRCam and MIRI to obtain sub-arcsecond images over ~150″ and 42″ in key gas phase lines (e.g., Pa α, Br α, [FeII] 1.64 µm, H2 1−0 S(1) 2.12 µm, 0–0 S(9) 4.69 µm), aromatic and aliphatic infrared bands (aromatic infrared bands at 3.3–3.4 µm, 7.7, and 11.3 µm), dust emission, and scattered light. Their emission are powerful tracers of the IF and DF, FUV radiation field and density distribution. Using NIRSpec observations the fractional contributions of lines, AIBs, and continuum emission to our NIRCam images were estimated. A very good agreement is found for the distribution and intensity of lines and AIBs between the NIRCam and NIRSpec observations. Results. Due to the proximity of the Orion Nebula and the unprecedented angular resolution of JWST, these data reveal that the molecular cloud borders are hyper structured at small angular scales of ~0.1–1″ (~0.0002–0.002 pc or ~40–400 au at 414 pc). A diverse set of features are observed such as ridges, waves, globules and photoevaporated protoplanetary disks. At the PDR atomic to molecular transition, several bright features are detected that are associated with the highly irradiated surroundings of the dense molecular condensations and embedded young star. Toward the Orion Bar PDR, a highly sculpted interface is detected with sharp edges and density increases near the IF and DF. This was predicted by previous modeling studies, but the fronts were unresolved in most tracers. The spatial distribution of the AIBs reveals that the PDR edge is steep and is followed by an extensive warm atomic layer up to the DF with multiple ridges. A complex, structured, and folded H0/H2 DF surface was traced by the H2 lines. This dataset was used to revisit the commonly adopted 2D PDR structure of the Orion Bar as our observations show that a 3D "terraced" geometry is required to explain the JWST observations. JWST provides us with a complete view of the PDR, all the way from the PDR edge to the substructured dense region, and this allowed us to determine, in detail, where the emission of the atomic and molecular lines, aromatic bands, and dust originate. Conclusions. This study offers an unprecedented dataset to benchmark and transform PDR physico-chemical and dynamical models for the JWST era. A fundamental step forward in our understanding of the interaction of FUV photons with molecular clouds and the role of FUV irradiation along the star formation sequence is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Mid-infrared observations of photodissociation regions (PDRs) are dominated by strong emission features called aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The most prominent AIBs are found at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.2 µm. The most sensitive, highest-resolution infrared spectral imaging data ever taken of the prototypical PDR, the Orion Bar, have been captured by JWST. These high-quality data allow for an unprecedentedly detailed view of AIBs. Aims. We provide an inventory of the AIBs found in the Orion Bar, along with mid-IR template spectra from five distinct regions in the Bar: the molecular PDR (i.e. the three H2 dissociation fronts), the atomic PDR, and the H II region. Methods. We used JWST NIRSpec IFU and MIRI MRS observations of the Orion Bar from the JWST Early Release Science Program, PDRs4All (ID: 1288). We extracted five template spectra to represent the morphology and environment of the Orion Bar PDR. We investigated and characterised the AIBs in these template spectra. We describe the variations among them here. Results. The superb sensitivity and the spectral and spatial resolution of these JWST observations reveal many details of the AIB emission and enable an improved characterization of their detailed profile shapes and sub-components. The Orion Bar spectra are dominated by the well-known AIBs at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, 11.2, and 12.7 µm with well-defined profiles. In addition, the spectra display a wealth of weaker features and sub-components. The widths of many AIBs show clear and systematic variations, being narrowest in the atomic PDR template, but showing a clear broadening in the H II region template while the broadest bands are found in the three dissociation front templates. In addition, the relative strengths of AIB (sub-)components vary among the template spectra as well. All AIB profiles are characteristic of class A sources as designated by Peeters (2022, A&A, 390, 1089), except for the 11.2 µm AIB profile deep in the molecular zone, which belongs to class B11.2. Furthermore, the observations show that the sub-components that contribute to the 5.75, 7.7, and 11.2 µm AIBs become much weaker in the PDR surface layers. We attribute this to the presence of small, more labile carriers in the deeper PDR layers that are photolysed away in the harsh radiation field near the surface. The 3.3/11.2 AIB intensity ratio decreases by about 40% between the dissociation fronts and the H II region, indicating a shift in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) size distribution to larger PAHs in the PDR surface layers, also likely due to the effects of photochemistry. The observed broadening of the bands in the molecular PDR is consistent with an enhanced importance of smaller PAHs since smaller PAHs attain a higher internal excitation energy at a fixed photon energy. Conclusions. Spectral-imaging observations of the Orion Bar using JWST yield key insights into the photochemical evolution of PAHs, such as the evolution responsible for the shift of 11.2 µm AIB emission from class B11.2 in the molecular PDR to class A11.2 in the PDR surface layers. This photochemical evolution is driven by the increased importance of FUV processing in the PDR surface layers, resulting in a "weeding out" of the weakest links of the PAH family in these layers. For now, these JWST observations are consistent with a model in which the underlying PAH family is composed of a few species: the so-called 'grandPAHs'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the molecular clouds in the western part of SS 433 with near-ultraviolet radiation data obtained from GALEX. Near-ultraviolet radiation is prominently confirmed toward only N4, while no near-ultraviolet radiation is detected toward N1, N2, or N3. The radiative region of near-ultraviolet radiation is nearly the same as the CO-emitting region in N4, and does not extend beyond the jet seen in X-ray radiation. Near-ultraviolet radiation cannot be explained solely by broad-band continuous radiation and may originate from line emissions. The intensity of near-ultraviolet radiation exhibits an anti-correlation with that of 13CO(J  = 3–2) emission. This anti-correlation, along with strong far-infrared radiation in the region with weaker near-ultraviolet radiation intensity compared to its surroundings, suggests that near-ultraviolet radiation originates from behind the molecular cloud, heating up the interstellar dust in N4. Subsequently, the dust in N4 reradiates in the far-infrared band. In the same region, a high peak T MB ratio of 12CO(J  = 3–2) |$/$| 12CO(J  = 1–0) of ∼0.9, and a high kinetic temperature of T k ∼ 56 K in the molecular cloud, indicate that CO molecules are highly excited, and the molecular cloud is heated through photoelectric heating. This heating results from electrons released due to the photoelectric effect caused by the phenomenon where interstellar dust absorbs near-ultraviolet radiation. In terms of the timescale of near-ultraviolet radiation originating from line emissions, near-ultraviolet radiation towards N4 cannot be explained by the shock of the blast wave from a supernova that created W 50. These findings also suggest that N4 directly interacts with the jet from SS 433. As a result of this direct interaction, near-ultraviolet radiation is emitted from an interacting layer between the jet and N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore systematically the shocked gas in the first Galactic quadrant of the Milky Way using the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT) Wide-field Infrared Survey for Fe+ (UWIFE). The UWIFE survey is the first imaging survey of the Milky Way in the [Fe  ii ] 1.644 μm emission line and covers the Galactic plane in the first Galactic quadrant (7° < |$\mathit {l}$| < 62°; |$|b| $| ≲ 1 |$_{.}^{\circ }$| 5). We identify 204 extended ionized Fe objects (IFOs) using a combination of a manual and automatic search. Most of the IFOs are detected for the first time in the [Fe  ii ] 1.644 μm line. We present a catalogue of the measured sizes and fluxes of the IFOs and searched for their counterparts by performing positional cross-matching with known sources. We found that IFOs are associated with supernova remnants (25), young stellar objects (100), H  ii regions (33), planetary nebulae (17), and luminous blue variables (4). The statistical and morphological properties are discussed for each of these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hot dust in the proximity of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) strongly emits in the near-infrared producing a red excess that, in type 2 sources, can be modelled to measure its temperature. In the era of high spatial resolution multiwavelength data, mapping the hot dust around supermassive black holes is important for the efforts to achieve a complete picture of the dust's role and distribution around these compact objects. In this work, we propose a methodology to detect the hot dust emission in the proximity of type 2 AGNs and measure its temperature using K -band spectra (λ c = 2.2 µm). To achieve this, we have developed nirdust , a python package for modelling K -band spectra, estimating the dust temperature, and characterizing the involved uncertainties. We tested synthetic and real spectra in order to check the performance and suitability of the physical model over different types of data. Our tests on synthetic spectra demonstrated that the obtained results are influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of the input spectra. However, we accurately characterized the uncertainties, which remained below ∼150 K for an average S/N per pixel exceeding 20. Applying nirdust to NGC 5128 (Centaurus A), observed with the Gemini South Telescope, we estimated a dust temperature of 662 and 667 K from Flamingos-2 spectra and 697 and 607  K from Gemini Near-Infrared Spectrograph (GNIRS) spectra using two different approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent synthesis of diaminomethane ((NH2)2CH2) under simulated interstellar conditions implies that this molecule is likely present in the interstellar medium (ISM), and this work provides the highly accurate quantum chemically computed rotational constants and IR frequencies for comparison to experiment that may aid in its potential future detection. This simplest geminal diamine of prebiotic note has a transition for its ν18 fundamental frequency at 702.5 cm−1 (14.23 μm) with an intensity on level with that of the antisymmetric stretch in carbon dioxide. Additionally, its 1.72 D dipole moment for the most stable C 2 v conformer should make it detectable with radiotelescopes as well. The C 2 conformer may also be detectable in similar regions where the C 2 v form is present, but only warmer or higher-energy regions will allow for possible observation of the C 1 conformer. In any case, rotational constants for these other two conformers are also provided in addition to the full set of fundamental vibrational frequencies for the C 2 v conformer. These data will assist with further laboratory classification and possible interstellar detection of this prebiotic molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of high-quality deep images of planetary nebulae (PNe) has allowed the detection of a wealth of small-scale features, which highlight the complexity of the formation history and physical processes shaping PNe. Here we present the discovery of three groups of clumps embedded within the nebular shell of the evolved PN NGC 3587, the Owl Nebula, that had escaped previous detections. The analysis of multi-wavelength GEMINI GMOS, NOT ALFOSC, Aristarchos Andor optical, Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope WIRCam, and Spitzer IRAC and MIPS infrared images indicates that these clumps are formed by material denser and colder than the surrounding nebula, with a notable content of molecular H2, but negligible or null amounts of dust. The presence of H2-rich pockets embedded within the ionized shell of this evolved PN is suggestive of the survival of high-density condensations of material created at the onset of the PN stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent synthesis of diaminomethane ((NH2)2CH2) under simulated interstellar conditions implies that this molecule is likely present in the interstellar medium (ISM), and this work provides the highly accurate quantum chemically computed rotational constants and IR frequencies for comparison to experiment that may aid in its potential future detection. This simplest geminal diamine of prebiotic note has a transition for its ν18 fundamental frequency at 702.5 cm−1 (14.23 μm) with an intensity on level with that of the antisymmetric stretch in carbon dioxide. Additionally, its 1.72 D dipole moment for the most stable C 2 v conformer should make it detectable with radiotelescopes as well. The C 2 conformer may also be detectable in similar regions where the C 2 v form is present, but only warmer or higher-energy regions will allow for possible observation of the C 1 conformer. In any case, rotational constants for these other two conformers are also provided in addition to the full set of fundamental vibrational frequencies for the C 2 v conformer. These data will assist with further laboratory classification and possible interstellar detection of this prebiotic molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Indene, a small PAH, has been detected in the gas phase in the cold dense cloud TMC-1. Due to the low temperature in the cloud, below indene condensation temperature, its presence in the ice mantles of dust grains is likely. Aims. The aim of this work is to study the stability of indene against the energetic processing by VUV photons or cosmic rays in the ice mantles of dense molecular clouds. Methods. Ice layers of pure indene or indene diluted in water ice were grown by vapor deposition on a cold surface held at 10 K, 100 K, or 140 K. The samples were processed with VUV photons (120–180 nm) and 5 keV electrons and the destruction of indene was monitored by following the decay of its absorption bands in the infrared (IR) spectrum. Finally, we recorded the mass spectra of the decomposition products sublimated by thermal programmed desorption of the processed samples. Results. Photolysis and radiolysis cross-sections, along with half-life energy doses for indene in the solid form and diluted in water ice matrices at 10 K were derived. Ketones and alcohols were identified as the main processing products in indene and water–ice mixtures Conclusions. Dilution in water ice enhances the destruction rate of indene under energetic processing. The molecule is expected to survive for more than 107 yr in the ice mantles of grains in the interior of dense clouds, but it will end up getting destroyed within the next few hundred years by the intense VUV field in the diffuse region at the edges of the cloud. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protostellar jets and outflows are signposts of active star formation. In H  ii regions, molecular tracers like CO only reveal embedded portions of the outflow. Outside the natal cloud, outflows are dissociated, ionized, and eventually completely ablated, leaving behind only the high-density jet core. Before this process is complete, there should be a phase where the outflow is partially molecular and partially ionized. In this paper, we capture the HH 900 outflow while this process is in action. New observations from the Enhanced Resolution Imager and Spectrograph/SPIFFIER near-infrared (IR) integral field unit spectrograph using the K-middle filter (λ = 2.06–2.34 μ m) reveal H2 emission from the dissociating outflow and Br-γ tracing its ionized skin. Both lines trace the wide-angle outflow morphology but H2 only extends ∼5000 au into the H  ii region while Br-γ extends the full length of the outflow (∼12 650 au), indicating rapid dissociation of the molecules. H2 has higher velocities further from the driving source, consistent with a jet-driven outflow. Diagnostic line ratios indicate that photoexcitation, not just shocks, contributes to the excitation in the outflow. We argue that HH 900 is the first clear example of an evaporating molecular outflow and predict that a large column of neutral material that may be detectable with Atacama Large Millimeter Array accompanies the dissociating molecules. Results from this study will help guide the interpretation of near-IR images of externally irradiated jets and outflows such as those obtained with the JWST in high-mass star-forming regions where these conditions may be common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fullerenes, including C60 and C70, have been detected in various astronomical environments. Understanding how their structures evolve over time is essential for gaining insights into their life cycle and making further observations. To address this, we conducted reactive molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the evolution of fullerenes in the circumstellar envelopes surrounding carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars. Our simulations employed a bottom-up chemistry scheme, wherein fullerenes grow by absorbing and condensing small carbon-based molecules. The results revealed the formation of different structures through heterogeneous reactions based on hydrogen concentration, leading to the emergence of onion-like nanostructures or single-layer fullerenes. To examine the impact of these structural changes on the infrared emission characteristics of fullerenes, we performed quantum chemical calculations. The results indicate that as fullerenes grow larger, additional emission features are introduced in the infrared spectrum. Moreover, two-layered fullerenes show noticeable blueshift or weakening effects on the bands associated with out-of-plane vibration modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of methanol among the common ice components in interstellar clouds and protostellar envelopes has been confirmed by the James Webb Space Telescope (McClure et al. 2023). Methanol is often detected in the gas phase towards lines of sight shielded from UV radiation. We measured the volumetric density of methanol ice grown under simulated interstellar conditions and the infrared spectroscopy at different deposition temperatures and during the warm-up. The IR band strengths are provided, and the experimental spectra are compared to those computed with a model. The transition from amorphous to crystalline methanol ice was also explored. Finally, we propose new observations of methanol ice at high resolution to probe the methanol ice structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fullerenes, including C60, C70, and C60+, are widespread in space through their characteristic infrared vibrational features (C60+ also reveals its presence in the interstellar medium through its electronic transitions) and offer great insights into carbon chemistry and stellar evolution. The potential existence of fullerene-related species in space has long been speculated and recently put forward by a set of laboratory experiments of C60+, C60H+, C60O+, C60OH+, C70H+, and [C60-Metal]+ complexes. The advent of the JWST provides a unique opportunity to search for these fullerene-related species in space. To facilitate JWST search, analysis, and interpretation, accurate knowledge of their vibrational properties is essential. Here, we compile a VibFullerene database and conduct a systematic theoretical study on those species. We derive a set of range-specific scaling factors for vibrational frequencies to account for the deficiency of density functional theory calculations in predicting accurate frequencies. Scaling factors with low root-mean-square and median errors for the frequencies are obtained, and their performance is evaluated, from which the best-performing methods are recommended for calculating the infrared spectra of fullerene derivatives that balance the accuracy and the computational cost. Finally, the recommended vibrational frequencies and intensities of fullerene derivatives are presented for future JWST detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning feature importance calculations are used to determine the molecular substructures that are responsible for mid- and far-infrared (IR) emission features of neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Using the extended-connectivity fingerprint as a descriptor of chemical structure, a random forest model is trained on the spectra of 14 124 PAHs to evaluate the importance of 10 632 molecular fragments for each band within the range of 2.761 to |$1172.745\, \mu$| m. The accuracy of the results is confirmed by comparing them with previously studied unidentified infrared emission (UIE) bands. The results are summarized in two tables available as Supplementary Data , which can be used as a reference for assessing possible UIE carriers. We demonstrate that the tables can be used to explore the relation between the PAH structure and the spectra by discussing about the IR features of nitrogen-containing PAHs and superhydrogenated PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the dependence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) band intensity ratios as a function of the average number of carbon atoms and assess their effectiveness as tracers for PAH size, utilizing the data, models, and tools provided by the NASA Ames PAH Infrared Spectroscopic Data base. To achieve this, we used spectra from mixtures of PAHs of different ionization fractions, following a size distribution. Our work, congruent with earlier findings, shows that band ratios that include the 3.3 μ m PAH band provide the best PAH size tracers for small-to-intermediate sized PAHs. In addition, we find that band ratios that include the sum of the 15–20 μ m PAH features (I |$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$|⁠) and the 6.2 or 7.7 μ m bands also serve as good tracers for PAH size in the case of small-to-intermediate sized PAHs, for objects under a similar PAH size distribution as with the presented models. For different PAH size distributions, the application of a scaling factor to the I6.2/I |$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$| ratio can provide estimates for the size of the small-to-intermediate PAH population within sources. Employment of the I6.2/I |$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$| and I7.7/I |$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$| ratios can be of particular interest for JWST observations limited only to ∼5–28 μ m MIRI(MRS) coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of 6.0 and 6.9  μ m absorption features are frequently observed in Milky Way (MW) molecular-clouds and YSOs; they also occur in the z = 0.886 rest-frame of a molecule-rich spiral galaxy obscuring blazar PKS 1830–211. I calibrate χ2-fitting methods, which match observations with two or three laboratory spectra. The 6.0- μ m component is dominated by H2O ice, as expected. Included MW sources were selected using opacity criteria which limit the range of explored H2O-ice column densities to 1.6–2.4 × 1018 molecules cm−2, while the H2O-ice density in the galaxy absorber is (2.7 ± 0.5) × 1018 molecules cm−2. CH3OH ice and / or small (< 0.1- μ m-sized) Ca- and Mg-bearing carbonates contribute at 6.9  μ m. The 41 per cent CH3OH:H2O molecular ratio in the PKS 1830–211 absorber is significantly higher than in the molecular cloud towards Taurus-Elias 16 (<7.5 per cent) and similar to the highest value in MW YSOs (35 per cent in AFGL 989). Fitted carbonate (-CO3):H2O ratios in the galaxy absorber of 0.091 per cent are low in comparison to most of the ratios detected in the MW sample (0.2 per cent–0.4 per cent; ∼0 per cent in AFGL 989). Inorganic carbonates could explain the increased oxygen depletion at the diffuse-medium-to-molecular-cloud transition, which Jones and Ysard associated with unobserved organic carbonates or materials with a C:O ratio of 1:3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Although solid-state pathways are expected to dominate the formation mechanisms of many complex organic molecules (COMs), very few COMs have been securely identified in interstellar ices, in stark contrast with the many COM detections in the gas phase. The launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and its increase in sensitivity and spectral resolution opens the possibility of identifying more COMs in ices, but additional laboratory data are necessary. Formamide (NH2CHO) is one such COM that is of great interstellar and prebiotic relevance where more laboratory data are needed in the hunt for its presence in interstellar ices. Aims. This work aims to characterize the mid-IR spectra of formamide in its pure form as well as in mixtures of the most abundant interstellar ices via laboratory simulation of such ices, as well as to demonstrate how these laboratory spectra can be used to search for formamide in ice observations. Methods. Mid-IR spectra (4000–500 cm−1/2.5–20 μm) of formamide, both in its pure form as well as in binary and tertiary mixtures with H2O, CO2, CO, NH3, CH3OH, H2O:CO2, H2O:NH3, CO:NH3, and CO:CH3OH, were collected at temperatures ranging from 15–212 K. Results. Apparent band strengths and positions of eight IR bands of pure amorphous and crystalline formamide at various temperatures are provided. Three of these bands are identified as potential formamide tracers in observational ice spectra: the overlapping C = O stretch and NH2 scissor bands at 1700.3 and 1630.4 cm−1 (5.881 and 6.133 μm), the CH bend at 1388.1 cm−1 (7.204 μm), and the CN stretch at 1328.1 cm−1 (7.529 μm). The relative apparent band strengths, positions, and full width half maxima (FWHM) of these features in mixtures at various temperatures were also determined. All of the laboratory spectra are available to the community on the Leiden Ice Database for Astrochemistry (LIDA) for use in the interpretation of both observations (e.g., from JWST) and laboratory spectroscopic data. Finally, the laboratory spectra are compared to observational spectra of a variety of low- and high-mass young stellar objects as well as prestellar cores observed with the Infrared Space Observatory, the Spitzer Space Telescope, and JWST. A comparison between the formamide CH bend in laboratory data and the 7.24 μm band in the observations tentatively indicates that, if formamide ice is contributing significantly to the observed absorption, it is more likely in a polar matrix. Upper limits ranging from 0.35-5.1% with respect to H2O were calculated via scaling the formamide:H2O laboratory spectrum to the observations. These upper limits are in agreement with gas-phase formamide abundances and take into account the effect of a H2O matrix on formamide's band strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have used spectra of the Spitzer Space Telescope to conduct a search for the aromatic amino acid tryptophan in the interstellar gas of the young star cluster IC 348. For all the strongest mid-infrared (mid-IR) laboratory bands of tryptophan, we have found counterpart emission lines in the observed spectrum which are consistent in wavelength and strength with the laboratory measurements. Assuming that the detected emission lines are due to tryptophan and using the measured fluxes, we estimate a tryptophan column density in the line of sight of the core of IC 348 in the range 109–1011 cm−2. The observed emission lines are also found in the combined spectrum of >30 interstellar locations obtained in diverse unrelated star-forming regions observed by Spitzer. This could be an indication that the molecule causing the emission is widespread in interstellar space. Future high spectral resolution mid-IR searches for proteinogenic amino acids in protostars, protoplanetary discs, and in the interstellar medium will be key to study an exogenous origin of meteoritic amino acids and to understand how the pre-biotic conditions for life were set in the early Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the alignment and rotational disruption of dust grains at the centre of our Galaxy using polarized thermal dust emission observed by SOFIA/HAWC+ and JCMT/SCUPOL at 53, 216, and 850 µm. We analysed the relationship between the observed polarization degree with total emission intensity, dust temperature, gas column density, and polarization angle dispersion. Polarization degree from this region follows the predictions of the RAdiative Torque (RAT) alignment theory, except at high temperatures and long wavelengths where we found evidence for the rotational disruption of grains as predicted by the RAdiative Torque Disruption mechanism. The grain alignment and disruption sizes were found to be around 0.1 and 1 µm,  respectively. The maximum polarization degree observed was around p ∼ 13 per cent at 216 µm and comes from a region of high dust temperature, low column density, and ordered magnetic field. Magnetically enhanced RAT alignment (MRAT) was found to be important for grain alignment due to the presence of a strong magnetic field and can induce perfect alignment even when grains contain small iron clusters. We estimated the mass fraction of aligned grains using a parametric model for the fraction of the grains at high- J attractors and found it to correlate weakly with the observed polarization degree. We observe a change in the polarization ratio, from p 216µm/ p 850µm < 1 to p 216µm/ p 850µm > 1 at T d ≳ 35 K, which suggests a change in the grain model from a composite to a separate population of carbon and silicate grains as implied by previous numerical modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a charge distribution-based emission model that calculates the infrared spectrum of fullerenes (C60). Analysis of the modelled spectrum of C60 in various charge states shows that the relative intensity of the features in the 5–10 μm versus 15–20 μm can be used to probe the C60 charge state in interstellar spectra. We further used our model to simulate emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and C60 at five positions in the cavity of reflection nebula NGC 7023. Specifically, we modelled the 6.2/11.2 band ratio for circumcoronene and circumcircumcoronene and the 7.0/19.0 band ratio for C60 as a function of the ionization parameter γ. A comparison of the model results with the observed band ratios shows that the γ values in the cavity do not vary significantly, suggesting that the emission in the cavity does not originate from locations at the projected distances. Furthermore, we find that the C60-derived γ values are lower than the PAH-derived values by an order of magnitude. We discuss likely scenarios for this discrepancy. In one scenario, we attribute the differences in the derived γ values to the uncertainties in the electron recombination rates of PAHs and C60. In the other scenario, we suggest that PAHs and C60 are not co-spatial resulting in different γ values from their respective models. We highlight that experiments to determine necessary rates will be required in validating either one of the scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish the spectroscopy of the solids α- and β-oxygen, we measured the thermal ramping spectra of the solid O2 in visible and near-infrared (near-IR) wavelength range 450–1020 nm and mid-infrared (mid-IR) range 500–5000 cm−1 (2–20 μm) at temperature 9–30 K. Besides the solids α- and β-oxygen, the imperfect structure of O2 ice might co-exist at low temperature. In mid-IR spectra, a triplet was observed at 1545.7, 1548.1, and 1549.6 cm−1 associated to the imperfect crystallinity of solid O2; the triplet existed below 27 K, but not at 30 K and on re-cooling to 9 K. The spectra measured at re-cooled 9 and 30 K are evidently responsible only for the solids α- and β-O2, respectively; overall, the spectra of the solids α- and β-O2 appear similar in the visible region, but those differ significantly from the spectrum of the solid O2 contaminated with imperfect structure. For solid α-O2, IR lines were recorded at 1591 and 1617 cm−1, which exhibited a reversible behaviour through the α-β phase transition temperature at 24 K. The visible spectrum of the separate solid α-O2 was obtained for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent assignment of the amino acid tryptophan to infrared emission lines in the gas of the IC 348 star cluster is re-examined. A comparison of spectra from the Spitzer Telescope to laboratory data shows that there is no firm support for the tryptophan assignment. Suggestions are made for future observational searches for tryptophan and for supporting laboratory work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the variations in the spectral characteristics and intensities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two different scenarios of PAH processing (or formation): (1) small PAHs are being destroyed (or equivalently large PAHs are being formed, referred to as SPR, i.e. small PAHs removed), and (2) large PAHs are being destroyed (or equivalently small PAHs are being formed, referred to as LPR, i.e. large PAHs removed). PAH emission was measured considering both the presence and absence of plateau components. The variation in the PAH band intensities as a function of the average number of carbon atoms 〈 N C〉 has the highest dynamic range in the SPR case, suggesting that smaller PAHs have higher impact on the PAH band strengths. The plateaus show overall declining emission with 〈 N C〉, and their higher dynamic range in the SPR case also suggests that smaller PAHs are mainly contributing to the plateau emission. The 7.7/(11.0 + 11.2) |$\mu$| m PAH band ratio presents the least amount of variance with the lowest dynamic range, rendering this ratio as the better choice for tracing PAH charge. The 3.3/(11.2 + 11.0) |$\mu$| m PAH band ratio is the only ratio that has both a monotonic variance and fully separated values among the SPR and LPR scenarios, highlighting its efficiency as PAH size tracer but also allowing the characterization of the dominant scenario of processing or formation in a given region or source. We present new PAH charge–size diagnostic diagrams, which can provide insights into the average, maximum, or minimum N C within astrophysical sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate how dust temperature is affected by local environmental quantities, especially dust surface density (Σdust), dust-to-gas ratio (D/G), and interstellar radiation field. We compile multiwavelength observations in 46 nearby galaxies, uniformly processed with a common physical resolution of 2 kpc. A physical dust model is used to fit the infrared dust emission spectral energy distribution (SED) observed with WISE and Herschel. The star formation rate (SFR) is traced with GALEX ultraviolet data corrected by WISE infrared. We find that the dust temperature correlates well with the SFR surface density (ΣSFR), which traces the radiation from young stars. The dust temperature decreases with increasing D/G at fixed ΣSFR, as expected from stronger dust shielding at high D/G, when ΣSFR is higher than |$\sim 2\times 10^{-3}~\rm M_\odot ~yr^{-1}~kpc^{-2}$|⁠. These measurements are in good agreement with the dust temperature predicted by our proposed analytical model. Below this range of ΣSFR, the observed dust temperature is higher than the model prediction and is only weakly dependent on D/G, possibly due to dust heating from an old stellar population or the variation of SFR within the past 1010 yr. Overall, the dust temperature as a function of ΣSFR and Σdust predicted by our analytical model is consistent with observations. We also notice that, at fixed gas surface density, ΣSFR tends to increase with D/G, i.e. we can modify the Kennicutt–Schmidt law empirically with a dependence on D/G to match observations better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]