This Research Topic focuses on isotopes in astrochemistry as a means to elucidate processes in the full birth-to-death cycle of stellar systems. Isotopic observations and measurements are especially crucial to understanding the intricate interplay between molecular clouds, prestellar cores, protoplanetary disks, young planetary systems, stellar atmospheres, and planetary nebulae. Quantifying the chemical and isotopic transformations occurring within the life cycle of low-mass to solar-mass stars is essential for comparison with the detailed isotopic studies available for the solar nebula and extant solar system objects.
A more complete and holistic view of the isotopic relationships among key planet-building elements will contribute greatly to setting the stage for origin of life studies in young and evolved stellar systems. Here, we welcome papers on observations, modeling, laboratory measurements, and computational and ab initio work on isotope-related topics in support of these objectives.
The Research Topic will accept the following manuscript types: Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-review, Hypothesis & Theory, Perspective, Data Report, Brief Research Report, Opinion, and Technology & Code. Manuscripts concerning the following areas are of particular interest:
• Molecular clouds and related isotopic studies that consider the origins of key building blocks for young stellar systems.
• Prestellar cores and how isotopic fingerprints during star birth unravel the complex processes preceding their emergence.
• Protoplanetary disks and isotope ratios shape the birth of planets and provide invaluable clues about their formation. Comparison to the solar nebula as inferred from meteorite studies is also welcome.
• Stellar atmospheres. Both isotope ratios and elemental abundances are welcome.
• Exoplanet atmospheres. Observations of isotope ratios in exoplanet atmospheres is a topic in its infancy due to the limitations of existing telescopes. Papers focusing on speculation are welcome.
• Planetary nebulae. Millimeter wave observations of isotope ratios.
• Modeling of isotopes in any of these systems.
• Laboratory measurements that support interpretation of observations and models.
• Ab initio results that support interpretation of observations, modeling, and laboratory work.
Keywords:
protoplanetary disks, isotope ratios, prestellar cores, Isotopes in hot jupiters, Isotopes in molecular clouds, Isotopes in the interstellar medium
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
This Research Topic focuses on isotopes in astrochemistry as a means to elucidate processes in the full birth-to-death cycle of stellar systems. Isotopic observations and measurements are especially crucial to understanding the intricate interplay between molecular clouds, prestellar cores, protoplanetary disks, young planetary systems, stellar atmospheres, and planetary nebulae. Quantifying the chemical and isotopic transformations occurring within the life cycle of low-mass to solar-mass stars is essential for comparison with the detailed isotopic studies available for the solar nebula and extant solar system objects.
A more complete and holistic view of the isotopic relationships among key planet-building elements will contribute greatly to setting the stage for origin of life studies in young and evolved stellar systems. Here, we welcome papers on observations, modeling, laboratory measurements, and computational and ab initio work on isotope-related topics in support of these objectives.
The Research Topic will accept the following manuscript types: Original Research, Methods, Review, Mini-review, Hypothesis & Theory, Perspective, Data Report, Brief Research Report, Opinion, and Technology & Code. Manuscripts concerning the following areas are of particular interest:
• Molecular clouds and related isotopic studies that consider the origins of key building blocks for young stellar systems.
• Prestellar cores and how isotopic fingerprints during star birth unravel the complex processes preceding their emergence.
• Protoplanetary disks and isotope ratios shape the birth of planets and provide invaluable clues about their formation. Comparison to the solar nebula as inferred from meteorite studies is also welcome.
• Stellar atmospheres. Both isotope ratios and elemental abundances are welcome.
• Exoplanet atmospheres. Observations of isotope ratios in exoplanet atmospheres is a topic in its infancy due to the limitations of existing telescopes. Papers focusing on speculation are welcome.
• Planetary nebulae. Millimeter wave observations of isotope ratios.
• Modeling of isotopes in any of these systems.
• Laboratory measurements that support interpretation of observations and models.
• Ab initio results that support interpretation of observations, modeling, and laboratory work.
Keywords:
protoplanetary disks, isotope ratios, prestellar cores, Isotopes in hot jupiters, Isotopes in molecular clouds, Isotopes in the interstellar medium
Important Note:
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.