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Related Experiment Videos

Chemical and biological evolution in space.

J M Greenberg1, P Weber, W Schutte

  • 1Laboratory Astrophysics, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.

Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1984
PubMed
Summary

Complex organic molecules in interstellar dust mantles are abundant in our galaxy. These molecules, delivered by comets, may have seeded early Earth, but panspermia faces challenges with UV radiation protection during planetary ejection.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrochemistry
  • Astrobiology
  • Planetary Science

Background:

  • Interstellar grain mantles contain complex organic molecules formed via ultraviolet photoprocessing.
  • This material represents a significant fraction of the Milky Way's mass, potentially seeding planets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To confirm the existence and abundance of complex organic molecules in interstellar grain mantles.
  • To assess the potential role of these extraterrestrial molecules in early Earth's chemistry.
  • To evaluate the survival of bacterial spores under simulated interstellar conditions for panspermia.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of astronomical infrared spectra to identify molecular signatures.
  • Theoretical modeling and experimental studies of ultraviolet irradiation effects on bacterial spores.

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  • Assessment of panspermia requirements, including UV shielding during planetary ejection.

    • Main Results:

    • Complex organic molecules are confirmed as a major component of interstellar grains, totaling over 10 million solar masses.
    • Extraterrestrial molecules delivered by comets could have dominated early Earth's surface chemistry.
    • Bacterial spores show extended survival times in dense molecular clouds (millions of years) but require significant UV-shielding for interstellar transit.

    Conclusions:

    • Interstellar complex organic molecules are abundant and potentially significant for prebiotic chemistry on Earth.
    • While interstellar survival is possible, panspermia faces significant hurdles related to UV protection during planetary ejection.
    • The study highlights the potential for extraterrestrial organic matter to influence planetary habitability.