The astrochemistry of sulphur presents many as yet unresolved challenges. In dense interstellar clouds, for instance, observed sulphur is depleted by up to three orders of magnitude compared to its expected cosmic abundance; whereas reasonable chemical mechanisms for the formation of even simple sulphuretted molecules on the surfaces of icy outer Solar System objects continue to elude researchers. In this talk, I shall present an overview of the current “state-of-the-science” with regards to sulphur astrochemistry before going on to discuss our laboratory’s efforts at further comprehending radiation-induced sulphur chemistry in astronomical environments. As part of this talk, I will highlight the physico-chemical effects of implanting sulphur ions in astrophysical ice analogues.

• This seminar introduces the article of the month 2024/1:
  Sulphur ion implantation into O₂, CO, and CO₂ ices: Implications for the formation of sulphur-bearing molecules in the Kuiper Belt, Icarus 411 (2024) 115926.

• Tea and cookies are offered before the seminar at 10:30 AM.