The CDMS view on molecular data needs of Herschel, SOFIA, and ALMA

TL;DR

The paper discusses the capabilities and recent developments of the Cologne Database for Molecular Spectroscopy (CDMS), emphasizing its role in supporting astronomical observations by Herschel, SOFIA, and ALMA through updated molecular data and collaborations.

Contribution

It introduces the new version of the CDMS database integrated into VAMDC and evaluates its data needs for upcoming space telescopes and observatories.

Findings

Recent molecule detections inform data needs for Herschel, SOFIA, and ALMA.

The updated CDMS enhances molecular data accessibility for astronomers.

Collaborations improve the quality and scope of spectroscopic data.

Abstract

The catalog section of the Cologne Database for Molecular Spectroscopy, CDMS, contains mostly rotational transition frequencies, with auxiliary information, of molecules observable in space. The frequency lists are generated mostly from critically evaluated laboratory data employing established Hamiltonian models. The CDMS has been online publicly for more than 12 years, e.g., via the short-cut http://www.cdms.de. Initially constructed as ascii tables, its inclusion into a database environment within the Virtual Atomic and Molecular Data Centre (VAMDC, http://www.vamdc.eu) has begun in June 2008. A test version of the new CDMS is about to be released. The CDMS activities have been part of the extensive laboratory spectroscopic investigations in Cologne. Moreover, these activities have also benefit from collaborations with other laboratory spectroscopy groups as well as with astronomers. We will provide some basic information on the CDMS and its participation in the VAMDC project. In addition, some recent detections of molecules as well as spectroscopic studies will be discussed to evaluate the spectroscopic data needs of Herschel, SOFIA, and ALMA in particular in terms of light hydrides, complex molecules, and metal containing species