Ziurys Group Observational Astrochemistry

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Searches for Metal Molecules in Other Sources Until now, the late type carbon star IRC+10216 has been considered to be chemically unique. This is the only object where metal-containing molecules have been detected in the interstellar medium. Recently, we have observed metal-containing molecules towards several new stars, specifically CRL 2688 and CRL 618, two AGB stars evolving into the planatery nebula phase. Five transitions arising from NaCN, three transitions of MgNC, and three transitions of AlF were discovered in CRL 2688. In addition, three lines of MgNC were found in CRL 618. These new observations suggest that late-type giant stars are general sites of metal compound formation. Below, the N = 11 --> 10 transition of MgNC as observed in CRL 2688. A rotational energy level diagram of MgNC.