Dr. Sergio Martin (CfA)

"Extragalactic Chemistry from Mm and Submm Observations"

Abstract:
The availability of new wide band generation receivers in currently
operating telescopes such as SMA allows us to easily observe large
spectral regions.
We will explore the possibilities of large spectral scan in
extragalactic objects based on the 2mm line survey carried out towards
the nuclear region of NGC253. These observations are a cornerstone in
the chemical characterization of galaxies with more than 30 molecular
species detected. The complexity of the observed molecular emission
allows detailed chemical studies similar to those carried out in
Galactic sources.
In this context the wide variety of physical conditions found in the
center of our Galaxy may serve as a chemical template for extragalactic
comparison. We will present the molecular observations carried out
towards the Galactic Center region and how it can be extrapolated to
extragalactic sources.
Though complex molecular studies are strongly sensitivity limited (up to
~100 Mpc), we have now the possibility of establishing the basis of
chemical differentiation in galaxies.