Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 24, 2026

Conducting Miller-Urey Experiments
Published on: January 21, 2014
Origin of organic matter in the protosolar nebula and in comets
J M Greenberg1, O M Shalabiea, C X Mendoza-Gomez
1Laboratory Astrophysics, Sterrewacht Leiden, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Comet organics are traced to their origin in interstellar space. Possible sources of comet organics from solar nebula chemistry are briefly discussed. The infrared spectra of interstellar dust are compared with spectra of solar (space) irradiated laboratory organic residues and with meteorites. The spectra compare very favorably. The atomic composition of first generation laboratory organic residues compares favorably with that of comet Halley organics if divided into appropriate "volatile" (less refractory) and "refractory" (more refractory) complex organics.
Related Concept Videos
Conditions on Early Earth
Organic Compounds
Conditions on Early Earth
Eukaryotic Evolution
Contrary to the endosymbiont theory, the eukaryote-first hypothesis proposes that the simpler prokaryotic and...
Origin of Cellular Life
Origin of Photosynthesis

