How is the formation of the first molecules related to the formation of the first stars in the universe?
2012
Abstract
This article briefly summarizes the current ideas about the history of the universe, with an emphasis on the development of chemical elements. It is shown that the key factor is the emergence of the first stars, which in turn is strongly influenced by the number of hydrogen molecules in the gas from which these stars formed.
Accurate modeling of these processes requires collaboration of astrophysicists performing simulations of star formation in collapsing clouds of gas and atomic physicists who provide reaction rates for the formation and break-up of atoms, molecules and ions in these clouds.