Abstract: The field of molecular Astronomy and its importance in astronomicalresearch are briefly introduced. The main achievements and progresses on large scale distribution of molecular clouds; molecular cloud and star formation; circumstellar envelope and the evolution of evolved star; celestial maser are reviewed. Following a description of the condition in astronomical environments,the physical and chemical processes by which molecules are formed and destroyed in interstellar clouds are examined with an emphasis on the fundamental role of astrochemistry in stellar formation and evolution. The trend of future development and some prospective subjects are discussed.

Key words: molecular astronomy, molecular astrophysics, molecular astrochemistry, star formation, evolution of

摘要： 介绍分子天文学及其在天文研究中的重要作用；综述近年来在分子云大尺度分布、分子云与恒星形成、拱星包层和恒星演化晚期、天体脉泽等方面的主要成果和进展；讨论了分子天体化学发展的情况及其重要意义；并提出对今后的发展趋势及主要研究课题的展望。

关键词: 分子天文学, 分子天体物理学, 分子天体化学, 恒星形成, 恒星演化晚期阶段