Molecular Complexity in the Interstellar Medium: Laboratory Spectroscopy and Astronomical Observations within the Herschel Guaranteed Time Program

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This project is a concerted laboratory and astrophysics observational effort, using the upcoming Herschel satellite within its guaranteed time observations. Many molecules have their fingerprint-like spectra in the Terahertz frequency region which will be covered by Herschel for the first time with unprecedented sensitivity. Herschel will unfold the molecular complexity in the interstellar medium. The molecular richness of the sources originates from evaporation of molecules trapped in ice mantles and/or from gas phase chemical reactions, which can proceed only at relatively high temperatures. Results from this project will answer questions such as how complex molecules can be formed and exist in space, including the fascinating perspective on how life started on earth. For the interpretation of the observations laboratory spectroscopic studies are essential and will be carried out in a very systematic fashion. The aims and thus the joint program of this project are guided by two Herschel guaranteed time key scientific programs (HEXOS and PRISMAS) which have been developed by international consortia including the proposers and which have been approved recently by the Herschel Time Allocation Committee.