The Messenger 113
September 2003

Origin and Evolution of Ices in Star-Forming Regions A VLT-ISAAC 3-5 microns Spectroscopic Survey

E. F. van Dishoeck[1], E. Dartois[2], K. M.Pontoppidan[1], W. F. Thi[1,3], L. D'hendecourt[2], A. C. A. Boogert[4], H. J.Fraser[5], W. A. Schutte[5], A. G. G. M. Tielens[6]

[1] Leiden Observatory,The Netherlands;
[2] IAS, Paris, France;
[3] Sterrenkundig Instituut, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
[4] Caltech, Pasadena, USA;
[5] Sackler Laboratory, Leiden Observatory, The Netherlands;
[6] Kapteyn Observatory/SRON, Groningen, The Netherlands

Abstract The VLT has opened up the possibility to perform spectroscopic surveys of large number s of young low-mass stars which are still deeply embedded in their parental clouds. O ur infrared spectra show a rich variety of features due to ices and gas-phase molecule s, each of which trace different aspects of the physical and chemical state of the obj ects. Highlights include fundamental new insight into the structure of interstellar i ces; the first detection of solid methanol in low-mass protostars, a key ingredient fo r building more complex organic molecules; direct evidence for significant freeze-out in edge-on circumstellar discs; and sensitive limits on minor ice components such as a mmonia and deuterated water.

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The Messenger 113September 2003

Origin and Evolution of Ices in Star-Forming Regions A VLT-ISAAC 3-5 microns Spectroscopic Survey

E. F. van Dishoeck[1], E. Dartois[2], K. M.Pontoppidan[1], W. F. Thi[1,3], L. D'hendecourt[2], A. C. A. Boogert[4], H. J.Fraser[5], W. A. Schutte[5], A. G. G. M. Tielens[6]

The Messenger 113
September 2003