CA21126 - Carbon molecular nanostructures in space (NanoSpace)

The aim of NanoSpace is to determine the abundance, formation mechanisms and astrochemical role of carbonaceous nanoparticles in space. Carbon is ubiquitous in space; from small carbon and hydrocarbon molecules to fullerenes and large but currently unidentified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbonaceous dust particles and ultimately life. The clear identification of C60 in the interstellar medium and around planetary nebulae has provided us with a tangible key to unlock the mysteries and complexities of cosmic carbon. We will exploit this opportunity through the synergistic combination of expertise from observational astronomy, laboratory astrophysics, spectroscopy, molecular reaction dynamics, theoretical chemistry, data science, synthetic chemistry, material science and astrobiology. This Action will provide a common basis for the different communities to interact and learn from each other, training a new generation of researchers with the laboratory, theoretical, observational and numerical skills to drive the field forward. The leading role of European researchers in this new field will be enhanced by integrating teams from ITC and involving and enabling early career researchers to take leading roles. The potential of current and upcoming observational satellites and large-scale user facilities will be fully exploited to understand the formation and astrochemical consequences of complex cosmic nano-carbons. NanoSpace will have a significant legacy, delivering the scientific community with a structured database containing relevant information on nano-carbons for use in future projects, providing new tools and knowledge to unravel key mysteries in astrochemistry and a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers with valuable translational skills to drive socioeconomic development.