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Chemical evolution in space--a source of prebiotic molecules
1Laboratory Astrophysics, University of Leiden, The Netherlands.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Laboratory experiments show that interstellar dust contains abundant organic material. Photoprocessing of ices under simulated space conditions creates complex prebiotic molecules, suggesting a pathway for life
Area of Science:
- Laboratory Astrophysics
- Astrochemistry
- Origins of Life Research
Background:
- Interstellar dust is a significant reservoir of organic material in the universe.
- Understanding the chemical evolution of interstellar dust is crucial for astrobiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate the photoprocessing of interstellar ices in the laboratory.
- To investigate the formation of complex organic molecules under simulated interstellar conditions.
- To assess the potential delivery of prebiotic molecules to early Earth.
Main Methods:
- Low-temperature (10 K) ice mixtures subjected to vacuum ultraviolet radiation.
- Analysis of photoprocessed residues using infrared absorption spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
- Comparison of laboratory timescales with estimated interstellar timescales.
Main Results:
- Formation of a complex, nonvolatile, yellow residue soluble in water and methanol.
- Identification of carboxylic acid and amino groups in the residue, indicative of prebiotic significance.
- Mass spectrometry revealed structures like amino pyrroline rings, with a mass of 82 (C4H6H2).
Conclusions:
- Laboratory photoprocessing of interstellar ice analogs can produce complex prebiotic organic molecules.
- Interstellar dust may have delivered substantial amounts of organic material to the early Earth.
- This process offers a plausible mechanism for seeding early Earth with the building blocks of life.