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Related Experiment Videos

Plasma processing of interstellar PAHs into solar system kerogen.

T J Wdowiak1, W Lee, J Cronin

  • 1Department of Physics, University of Alabama, Birmingham [correction of University of Birmingham, AL] 35294-1170, USA.

Planetary and Space Science
|January 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may convert into meteoritic alkanes via plasma hydrogenation. This process could explain hydrocarbon origins in meteorites and the early solar system.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrochemistry
  • Cosmochemistry
  • Planetary Science

Background:

  • Understanding the origin of meteoritic hydrocarbons is key to solar system formation.
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are abundant in space and may be precursors.
  • Previous research suggests a link between interstellar molecules and meteoritic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the conversion of PAHs into alkanes.
  • Identify interstellar molecular precursors of meteoritic hydrocarbons.
  • Clarify the role of plasma hydrogenation in hydrocarbon synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory simulation of plasma hydrogenation of naphthalene (a PAH).
  • Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of synthesized materials.
Keywords:
NASA Discipline ExobiologyNon-NASA Center

Related Experiment Videos

  • Chemical analysis of laboratory analogs and meteoritic samples.

    • Main Results:

    • Plasma hydrogenation of naphthalene produced a material with an IR spectrum similar to Murchison meteorite extracts.
    • Astrophysical and meteoritic evidence supports PAH incorporation into the solar nebula.
    • Laboratory synthesis of meteoritic hydrocarbon analogs is ongoing.

    Conclusions:

    • Plasma hydrogenation is a plausible mechanism for converting PAHs into alkanes.
    • This process may have occurred in the interstellar medium or solar nebula.
    • Further research will clarify the role of this process in solar system origins.