When referring to unidentified infrared emission features, one has in mind the series of aromatic IR bands (AIBs) between 3.3 and 15 μm that are observed in emission in many environments where UV photons irradiate interstellar matter. These bands are now used by astronomers to classify objects and characterize local physical conditions. However, a deep analysis cannot proceed without understanding the properties of the band carriers. Large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules are attractive candidates but interstellar species are still poorly characterized. Various studies emphasize the need for tackling the link between molecular aromatic species, aliphatic material and very small carbonaceous grains. Other unidentified emission features such as the 6.9, 21 and 30 μm bands could be involved in the evolutionary scenario.

Some characteristics of the 21 and 30 μm features observed in carbon star dust shells are briefly discussed.

The near-infrared (NIR) spectral range (2–5 μm) contains a number of interesting features for the study of the interstellar medium. In particular, the aromatic and aliphatic components in carbonaceous dust can be investigated most efficiently with the NIR spectroscopy. We analyze NIR spectra of the diffuse Galactic emission taken with the Infrared Camera onboard AKARI and find that the aliphatic to aromatic emission band ratio decreases toward the ionized gas, which suggests processing of the band carriers in the ionized region.

In recent years, the fullerene species C60 (and to a lesser extent also C70) has been reported in the mid-IR spectra of various astronomical objects. Cosmic fullerenes form in the circumstellar material of evolved stars, and survive in the interstellar medium (ISM). It is not entirely clear how they form or what their excitation mechanism is.

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon materials, a-C(:H), whose optical properties evolve in response to UV irradiation processing are promising candidate materials for cosmic carbonaceous dust. The optical properties of a:C(:H) particles have been derived as a function of size, band gap and hydrogen content over a wide wavelength range (EUV-cm) and can be used to investigate the size-dependent evolution of a-C(:H) material properties in the ISM.

A significant number of molecules that are used in contemporary biochemistry on Earth are found in interstellar and circumstellar regions as well as solar system environments. In particular small solar system bodies hold clues to processes that formed our solar system. Comets, asteroids, and meteorite delivered extraterrestrial material during the heavy bombardment phase ~3.9 billion years ago to the young planets, a process that made carbonaceous material available to the early Earth. In-depth understanding of the organic reservoir in different space environments as well as data on the stability of organic and prebiotic material in solar system environments are vital to assess and quantify the extraterrestrial contribution of prebiotic sources available to the young Earth.

This paper reports on the preparation of hydrogenated amorphous carbon nano-particles whose spectral characteristics include an absorption band at 217.5 nm with the profile and characteristics of the interstellar 217.5 nm feature. Vibrational spectra of these particles also contain the features commonly observed in IR absorption and emission from dust in the diffuse interstellar medium. These materials are produced under “slow“ deposition conditions by minimizing the flux of incident carbon atoms and by reducing surface mobility.

The accretion and desorption of gas molecules on cold dust grains play an important role in the evolution of dense clouds and circumstellar regions around YSOs. Some of the gas molecules detected in interstellar clouds were likely synthesized in icy dust grains and ejected to the gas. But in dark cloud interiors, with temperatures as low as 10–20 K, thermal desorption is negligible and a non-thermal mechanism like ice photodesorption is required. Reactions in the ice matrix are driven by energetic processing such as photon and ion irradiation. In circumstellar regions the photon flux (UV and X-rays) is expected to be significantly higher than in dense cloud interiors, icy grain mantles present in the outer parts will experience significant irradiation. The produced radicals lead to the formation of new species in the ice, some of them of prebiotic interest. Laboratory simulations of these processes are required for their understanding. The new ultra-high vacuum set-ups introduce some important improvements.

The physical properties of carbonaceous nanoparticles depend on the production conditions. In addition, these properties are modified by heat, UV and ion irradiation and gas interaction. We will discuss the synthesis and transformation of carbon nanoparticles that have been proposed as carriers of aromatic and aliphatic spectroscopic features observed in the interstellar medium.

Carbonaceous cosmic dust is observed through infrared spectroscopy either in absorption or in emission and the details of the spectral features are believed to shed some light on its structure and finally enable the study of its life cycle. Other spectral domains also contain some information, as does the UV bump at 217 nm. In order to progress on the understanding of these spectral features, many laboratory works are devoted to the production and characterization of laboratory analogues. Generally several analytical tools are used in combination to better analyse the intimate structure of the analogues and the influence of the nanostructuration on the spectral properties. In this proceeding We will focus on the elaboration of new spectral parameters that enables the nanostructuration of the carriers of the AIBs to be traced.

We present and discuss carbon-rich compounds of astrochemical interest such as polyynes, acetylenic carbon chains and the related derivative known as monocyanopolyynes and dicyanopolyynes. Fullerenes are now known to be abundant in space, while fulleranes - the hydrogenated fullerenes - and other carbon-rich compounds such as very large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy petroleum fractions are suspected to be present in space. We review the synthesis, the infrared spectra as well as the electronic absorption spectra of these four classes of carbon-rich molecules. The existence or possible existence in space of the latter molecules is reported and discussed.

The issue of Light Pollution was a major concern of the International Astronomical Union; during the IAU General Assembly in the city of Rio de Janeiro in 2009. A resolution was unanimously adopted (Resolution B5) to support the need to preserve the night sky and the right to see stars. With the increasing use of artificial light at night posing a growing threat to the visibility of the night sky, this Special Session at the XXVIIIth General Assembly highlighted technical aspects of astronomical site protection and the educational aspects of increasing global awareness on issues concerning light pollution.

Two pilot Starlight Parks and Protection Areas are under planning.

Losing the Dark is a six-minute PSA video created for fulldome theaters by Loch Ness Productions, the International Dark Sky Association Education Committee headed by Dr. Constance Walker of the National Optical Astronomy Observatories, Dome3, Adler Planetarium, and Babak Tafreshi (The World at Night). It explains light pollution, its effects, and ways to implement “wise lighting“ practices to mitigate light pollution. The show is also made in flat-screen HD format for classical planetariums, non-dome theaters, and for presentatons by IDA speakers.

Navegar Foundation has dedicated the past twelve years to astronomy public outreach by engaging the community in activities provided by the planetarium and observatory. The activities developed range from exhibitions to telescope observing sessions and planetarium shows. Whether partnering with local entities or with a variety of joint national and international activities, Navegar always had a proactive policy on raising awareness of light pollution issues. The outcomes of these activities are discussed.

As the problem of light pollution becomes more and more threatening, there is a need to educate the society about it. Methods of doing it differ in various parts of the world. There are shown examples of methods from developing European countries, in particular Poland.

TV shows have the biggest impact for the public, so we can use them to inform and educate the public about light pollution and the importance of the dark sky for humanity and for the contemporary society. Some examples used in the TV show Us and the Sky at Columna TV, Romania, are presented.

Already, and with good reason, light pollution is recognized as one of the most damaging legacies that current “civilization“ is bequeathing to its children. Denying them the opportunity, even the right, to experience visually the majesty and awe of the universe has obvious repercussions for our science, and other contributors to this meeting are addressing those eloquently. But it is also critically important to place light pollution in the cadre of the general environmental degradation which unbridled technology is causing. The amount of power consumed by one outdoor light is only a minuscule drop in the ocean, but enough of those drops make an ocean. Using low-wattage bulbs, and getting more power out of them via halogen or LED technology, can ease the drain on the supply of power, but when several can be run, and run brighter, than a single tungsten lamp and cost is the only goal, the consumer simply installs more of them.

We all hope for a restored and sustainable environment, but the challenge is first to learn and practice the essential difference between “want“ and “need”. A more specific challenge is to educate the affluent countries about the deleterious effects of nighttime lights on human health and on other bio-systems and species, and to explain the truth about “security“ issues. If astronomers place the needs of their own science too foremost they risk the criticism of selfishness: why are our own scientific requirements more important than the pleasure and health benefits of a whole town in pursuing sports activities outdoors after sunset? How can the need to illuminate streets, intersections, parking lots and to deter intruders be less necessary for personal and community safety and wellbeing than some rather esoteric scientific opportunities for a small population of astronomers?

Dark Sky Preserves are a lovely concept but they are not the full answer; reducing light pollution is the responsibility of every citizen, and ensuring good astronomical conditions in a few remote parks must does not excuse the prevailing cavalier attitudes that are causing light pollution to be blithely accelerated everywhere else.

The solution is Education, and for astronomers the key is to tone down the astronomically important and to emphasize the many general benefits of reducing light pollution. It is only when the non-astronomical community starts offering the astronomical advantages too of its own volition that we will see true progress in fighting this most pervasive of modern environmental disasters.

In astronomy it is important to promote observation and the quality of the sky is essential for a good observation impact. It is important that children have a nice memory of their observations in a non-polluted sky. Using students as agents of change it is possible to promote good practice for sky protection in society.

Dark Skies Rangers is an awareness program aimed at students of all ages to stimulate them to make an audit of light pollution in their school/district. The young light pollution fighters evaluate the level of light pollution, how much energy is being wasted, and produce a report to be delivered to the local authorities. They are also advised to promote a light pollution awareness campaign to the local community targeting not only the dark skies but also other implications such as effects in our health, to the flora and fauna, etc.