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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
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Searching... | 30000010080523 | QH325 A87 2004 | Open Access Book | Proceedings, Conference, Workshop etc. | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Astrobiology, a new exciting interdisciplinary research field, seeks to unravel the origin and evolution of life wherever it might exist in the Universe. The current view of the origin of life on Earth is that it is strongly connected to the origin and evolution of our planet and, indeed, of the Universe as a whole.
We are fortunate to be living in an era where centuries of speculation about the two ancient and fundamental problems: the origin of life and its prevalence in the Universe are being replaced by experimental science. The subject of Astrobiology can be approached from many different perspectives. This book is focused on abiogenic organic matter from the viewpoint of astronomy and planetary science and considers its potential relevance to the origins of life on Earth and elsewhere.
Guided by the review papers in this book, the concluding chapter aims to identify key questions to motivate future research and stimulate astrobiological applications of current and future research facilities and space missions. Today's rich array of new spacecraft, telescopes and dedicated scientists promises a steady flow of discoveries and insights that will ultimately lead us to the answers we seek.
Table of Contents
Preface |
1 The Synthesis of the Elements and the Formation of StarsM. Spaans |
2 Organic Molecules in the Interstellar MediumT.J. Millar |
3 Chemistry of Protoplanetary Disks Relation to Primitive Solar System MaterialA.J. Markwick and S.B. Charnley |
4 Planet Formation: Problems and ProspectsG. Wuchterl |
5 From Elemental Carbon to Complex Macromolecular Networks in SpaceF. Cataldo |
6 Organic Molecules in Planetary AtmospheresM. Roos-Serote |
7 Observations and Laboratory Data of Planetary OrganicsT.L. Rousch and D.P. Cruikshank |
8 The Molecular Complexity of CometsJ. Crovisier |
9 Kuiper belt: Water and OrganicsC. de Bergh |
10 Interplanetary Dust Particles and AstrobiologyF.J. Molster |
11 The Prebiotic Atmosphere of the EarthF. Selsis |
12 Early Life on Earth: The Ancient Fossil RecordF. Westall |
13 Highly Altered Organic Matter on Earth: Biosignature RelevanceB.A. Hofmann |
14 Insoluble Organic Matter in Carbonaceous Chondrites and Archean Cherts An Insight into their Structure by Electron Paramagnetic ResonanceL. Binet and D. Gourier and A. Skrzypczak and S. Derenne and F. Robert |
15 The Chemistry of the Origin of LifeO. Botta |
16 A Novel Synthesis of Biomolecular PrecursorsR. Saladino and C. Creestini and F. Ciciriello and G. Costanzo and R. Negri and E. Di Mauro |