The chemistry of star and planet formation with SKA

TL;DR

This paper reviews the Italian SKA community's efforts in surveying star-forming regions, studying astrochemistry in protostellar environments, and understanding planet formation through chemical and dust evolution analyses.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of SKA-related astrochemical research and surveys focused on star and planet formation, highlighting new observational strategies and scientific goals.

Findings

Identification of heavy molecules in protostellar environments

Insights into dust accumulation during planet formation

Development of astrochemical survey techniques

Abstract

In this contribution, we aim to summarise the efforts of the Italian SKA scientific community in conducting surveys of star-forming regions within our Galaxy, in the development of astrochemical research on protostellar envelopes and disks, and in studying the planet formation process itself. The objective is dual: Firstly, to investigate the accumulation and development of dust throughout the formation of planets, and secondly, to chemically examine protoplanetary disks and protostellar envelopes by studying heavy molecules, such as chains and rings containing over seven carbon atoms, which exhibit significantly reduced strength at millimeter wavelengths.