Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson explains the definition of a planet #astronomy

Date: 29 March 2025
Language: English

Description:
Astrochemistry is a vibrant and rapidly growing field at the intersection of chemistry and astronomy. In this English-language lecture, Dr. Marie van de Sande explores how molecules—from the simplest to the most complex—play a key role in the evolution of stars and potentially in the emergence of life. Read more below:

Abstract:
Chemistry is fundamental to our understanding of astrophysics. Molecules – from simple hydrogen to complex organic compounds – are essential to the formation of stars and their planets all the way to their deaths. Since the first detection of interstellar molecules only 90 years ago, astrochemistry has blossomed into a rich and active field, connecting astronomical observations, laboratory experiments, and theoretical modelling. In this lecture, I will talk about how molecules and chemical processes shape the physics of stellar evolution and might hold the answer to the origins of life.

About the speaker (English):
Dr. Marie van de Sande earned her PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics from KU Leuven in 2018. After her PhD, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at KU Leuven (2018–2021) and at the University of Leeds (2021–2023). Now, she is an Oort Fellow at Leiden Observatory. Her research in astrochemistry focuses on molecules and chemical reactions in space. In 2023, she received the Caroline Herschel Prize Lectureship for her work.

Over de spreker (Nederlands):
Dr. Marie van de Sande behaalde in 2018 haar PhD in Astronomie en Astrofysica aan de KU Leuven. Na haar PhD werkte zij als postdoctoraal onderzoeker aan de KU Leuven (2018–2021) en aan de University of Leeds (2021–2023). Nu is zij Oort Fellow bij de Universiteit Leiden. Haar onderzoek in astrochemie richt zich op moleculen en chemische reacties in de ruimte. In 2023 ontving zij de Caroline Herschel Prize Lectureship voor haar werk.