The Astrophysical Context of Life (2005) / Chapter Skim
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3 NASA Efforts in Astrophysics for Astrobiology
3 NASA Efforts in Astrophysics for Astrobiology
Pages 15-20
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From page 15... ...
It is certainly conceivable that some or all of the key compounds required for the origin of life were formed in low-temperature gas-phase reactions or by ultraviolet-driven chemistry occurring in the icy mantles of interstellar dust grains. It is also true that much of the carbon in interstellar space consists of poorly characterized, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that are important absorbers of stellar radiation at certain wavelengths but that probably have little or nothing to do with the origin of life.
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From page 16... ...
The committee identified seven specific subject areas that are the focus of more than one NAI node: · Planet formation. Planetary formation is being investigated at seven NAI nodes: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
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From page 17... ...
UCLA proposes a geological exploration of the Bellingshausen Sea, the only known site of an asteroid impact into a deepocean basin, to understand the processes and environmental effects of an oceanic event of this scale. UW investigates conditions for habitability and notes that periodic catastrophic events, including bolide impacts, may be necessary to create and maintain the high variability of habitable conditions that results in increased biodiversity and biocomplexity.
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From page 18... ...
Among the topics proposed were meteorite mineralogy, lunar and martian rock studies, interplanetary dust, presolar grain inclusions, and issues of planetary differentiation. Few of the studies seem to be placed in a broader astronomical context.
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From page 19... ...
The New York Center for Studies on the Origin of Life, at RPI, has in its purview the astrophysical topics of interstellar chemistry, chemistry and physics in the solar nebula, and planetary habitability, as well as topics in biology, chemistry, and Earth science. In the current structure, NSCORTs focus on graduate training, but in a rather restricted range of areas.
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From page 20... ...
As a specific example, stellar astrophysicists viewing their research objects through the lenses of astrobiology must now try to understand potential TPF target stars as the astrophysical environment and energy source for potential life-sustaining planets, not just as stars. TPF will require the attention of the astronomical community in at least three ways: work on improving star lists; work on improving predicted signals from various types of planets in various evolutionary or temporary states; and work on developing techniques and concepts for planet detection and characterization.
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