Recent developments in Laboratory Astrophysics

The physical processes and chemical reactions in space are reflected in the spectra of molecules that accompany and modify the life-cycle of stellar and interstellar matter. The recent developments in spectrometer technologies present at world-class observatories, in particular ALMA, SOFIA, and since recently the James Webb Telescope, provide astronomers with an enormous amount of spectral data. The physical meaning of such data is fully revealed only by comparative laboratory studies. Due to the increasing complexity of astrophysical spectra, a doubtless line assignment can only be ensured by high-quality laboratory measurements. It is to the merit of laboratory astrophysics groups worldwide that precise laboratory data for many interstellar molecules already exist and are available in freely accessible databases. With ever new technical developments, laboratory experiments are being adapted to the needs and questions arising from new astronomical observations, now and in the future.