Farid Salama

NASA · Space Science and Astrobiology Division/Space Science Astrophysics Branch

PAHs are among the most commonly proposed and popular candidates for DIB carriers. We present a critical assessment of the PAH-DIB model in view of the progress and the advances that have recently been achieved through a series of complementary studies involving astronomical observations of DIBs, laboratory simulation of interstellar analogs for PA...

The formation and destruction mechanisms of interstellar dust analogs formed from a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and hydrocarbon molecular precursors are studied in the laboratory. We used the newly developed facility COSmIC, which simulates interstellar and circumstellar environments, to investigate both PAHs and species that i...

We discuss the proposal of relating the origin of some of the diffuse interstellar absorption bands (DIBs) to neutral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in translucent interstellar clouds. An assessment of ionized PAHs will be examined in a future report. The spectra of several cold, isolated gas-phase PAHs have been measured in the la...

We discuss the proposal relating the origin of some of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) to neutral and ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in interstellar clouds. Laboratory spectra of several PAHs, isolated at low temperature in inert gas matrices, are compared with the spectra of five reddened early-type stars selected fr...

Experimental studies are key to investigating the physical and chemical processes that drive cloud and haze formation from gas and solid phase molecular precursors in (exo)planetary environments, and validating the theoretical calculations used in models of (exo)planetary atmospheres. They allow characterizing the physical, optical, and chemical pr...

The building of online atomic and molecular databases for astrophysics and for other research fields started with the beginning of the internet. These databases have encompassed different forms: databases of individual research groups exposing their own data, databases providing collected data from the refereed literature, databases providing evalu...

This paper gives an overview of the IAU B5 commission session on “Laboratory Astrophysics Activities” at the 2022 IAU General Assembly (GA). It provides a brief overview of the talks that were given in that session. The IAU 2022 GA B5 commission meeting was organised to present Laboratory Astrophysics activities in various parts of the world in an...

The paper corresponds to the session organised by the IAU inter-commission B2-B5 working group “Laboratory Astrophysics Data Compilation, Validation and Standardization: from the Laboratory to FAIR usage in the Astronomical Community” at the IAU 2022 General Assembly. The session included talks about the usage and implementation of FAIR concepts in...

Most low-mass stars form in stellar clusters that also contain massive stars, which are sources of far-ultraviolet (FUV) radiation. Theoretical models predict that this FUV radiation produces photodissociation regions (PDRs) on the surfaces of protoplanetary disks around low-mass stars, which affects planet formation within the disks. We report Jam...

Context. Interstellar dust particles, in particular carbonaceous nano-grains (like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fullerenes, and amorphous hydrogenated carbon), are critical players for the composition, energy budget, and dynamics of the interstellar medium (ISM). The dust properties, specifically the composition and size of dust grains are not...

Context. Small linear carbon chain radicals such as C 2 and C 3 act as both the building blocks and dissociation fragments of larger carbonaceous species. Their rotational excitation traces the temperature and density of local environments. However, these homo-nuclear di- and triatomic species are only accessible through their electronic and vibrat...

(Abridged) Mid-infrared observations of photodissociation regions (PDRs) are dominated by strong emission features called aromatic infrared bands (AIBs). The most prominent AIBs are found at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.6, and 11.2 $\mu$m. The most sensitive, highest-resolution infrared spectral imaging data ever taken of the prototypical PDR, the Orion Bar, h...

The JWST has captured the most detailed and sharpest infrared images ever taken of the inner region of the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star formation region, and a prototypical highly irradiated dense photo-dissociation region (PDR). We investigate the fundamental interaction of far-ultraviolet photons with molecular clouds. The transitions a...

We have measured the complex refractive indices, from 0.4 to 1.6 μ m, of five laboratory-generated organic refractory materials (tholins) produced at low temperature (150 K) using plasma chemistry in the stream of a supersonic expansion in NASA Ames’ COsmic SImulation Chamber (COSmIC) facility. Three samples were produced from N 2 :CH 4 gas precurs...

Titan, Saturn's largest moon, is the only moon in the solar system to have a dense atmosphere consisting mainly of nitrogen (N2) and methane (CH4). The organic haze surrounding Titan is governed by the gas phase molecular precursors that result from a complex organic chemistry in the upper atmosphere due to N2 and CH4 photolysis and radiolysis. The...

Here we present new spectral maps of the surface composition of the eastern part of Cthulhu Macula (CM) and Sputnik Planitia (SP) on Pluto, generated from the analysis of near-infrared (NIR) New Horizons spectral data using an unsupervised machine learning clustering technique.

We are interested in understanding the importance of Pluto’s atmospheric haze particles (i) as an origin of the dark materials and (ii) to better understand the processes resulting in the diversity of colors and spectra observed by New Horizons. Here we report on spectral modeling, with a focus on the tholin contribution.

The S0-S1 absorption spectra of anthracene (C14H10), 9-methylanthracene (C15H12), and 2-methylanthracene (C15H12) are measured in the ultraviolet region between 330 and 375 nm (26,666 to 30,303 cm-1) with cavity ring-down spectroscopy in supersonic free-jet expansions of argon. The associated vibronic band systems and their spectroscopic assignment...

The Cassini spacecraft measured the molecular mass of ions for the first time in the atmosphere of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. These observations uncovered the complexity of Titan’s upper atmospheric chemistry, which results in the production of radicals, ions and aerosols. Photochemical models have helped explain the gas phase chemistry involved...

ABSTRACT: Raman spectroscopy was employed to characterize pyrene (C16H10), the smallest peri-condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), in microcrystals and in pyrene-derived nanograins. Laboratory spectra in the 200− 2000 cm−1 Raman shift region were obtained with a 532 nm laser. The spectrum of microcrystalline pyrene consists of narrow ban...

We present the results of an integrated laboratory and modeling investigation into the impact of stellar X-rays on cosmic dust. Carbonaceous grains were prepared in a cooled (<200 K) supersonic expansion from aromatic molecular precursors, and were later irradiated with 970 eV X-rays. Silicate (enstatite) grains were prepared via laser ablation, th...

Massive stars disrupt their natal molecular cloud material through radiative and mechanical feedback processes. These processes have profound effects on the evolution of interstellar matter in our Galaxy and throughout the Universe, from the era of vigorous star formation at redshifts of 1-3 to the present day. The dominant feedback processes can b...

In Titan’s nitrogen-methane atmosphere, photochemistry leads to the production of complex organic particles, forming Titan’s thick haze layers. Laboratory-produced aerosol analogs, or “tholins,” are produced in a number of laboratories; however, most previous studies have investigated analogs produced by only one laboratory rather than a systematic...

Abstract Massive stars disrupt their natal molecular cloud material through radiative and mechanical feedback processes. These processes have profound effects on the evolution of interstellar matter in our Galaxy and throughout the universe, from the era of vigorous star formation at redshifts of 1–3 to the present day. The dominant feedback proces...

More than 500 diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) have been observed in astronomical spectra, and their signatures and correlations in different environments have been studied over the past decades to reveal clues about the nature of the carriers. We compare the equivalent widths of the DIBs, normalized to the amount of reddening, EB-V, to search for...

More than 500 diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) have been observed in astronomical spectra, and their signatures and correlations in different environments have been studied over the past decades to reveal clues about the nature of the carriers. We compare the equivalent widths of the DIBs, normalized to the amount of reddening, E_B-V, to search fo...

In Titan's nitrogen-methane atmosphere, photochemistry leads to the production of complex organic particles, forming Titan's thick haze layers. Laboratory-produced aerosol analogs, or "tholins", are produced in a number of laboratories; however, most previous studies have investigated analogs produced by only one laboratory rather than a systematic...

We have used the Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experimental set-up at NASA Ames' COSmIC facility to produce four laboratory analogs of Titan's aerosols, or tholins. These tholin samples were produced from four gas mixtures, representative of Titan's atmosphere, of initial compositions N2:CH4 (90:10 and 95:5) and N2:CH4:C2H2 (89.5:10:0.5 and 94.5:5:0....

We have combined laboratory, modeling, and observational efforts to investigate the chemical and microphysical processes leading to the formation of the cloud system that formed at an unusually high altitude (>250 km) over Titan's south pole after the northern spring equinox. We present here a study focused on the formation of C6H6 ice clouds at 87...

The Science Case for a Titan Flagship-class Orbiter with Probes White paper #325 submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032. Topics: giant planets systems; ocean worlds; other: Mission Studies by Conor Nixon, James Abshire, Andrew Ashton, Jason W. Barnes, Nathalie Carrasco, Mathieu Choukroun, Athena Coustenis, Lo...

Laboratory studies for planetary science and astrobiology aim at advancing our understanding of the Solar System through the promotion of theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that shape it. Laboratory studies (experimental and theoretical) are crucial to interpret observations and mission data, and are key incubators...

As one of two planetary objects (other than Earth) that have solid surfaces, thick atmospheres, and astrobiological significance, Titan, like Mars, merits ongoing study with multiple spacecraft. We propose that a Titan orbiter dedicated to geophysics, geology, and atmospheric science be added to the New Frontiers menu for the coming decade.

As one of two planetary objects (other than Earth) that have solid surfaces,thick atmospheres, and astrobiological significance, Titan, like Mars, merits ongoing studywith multiple spacecraft. We propose that a Titan orbiter dedicated to geophysics, geology,and atmospheric science be added to the New Frontiers menu for the coming decade.

Here, we present the results of the first solid-phase ex situ analysis of cosmic grain analogs produced at low temperature (<200 K) in the NASA Ames COsmic SImulation Chamber (COSmIC) from small hydrocarbon precursors, methane (CH4) and acetylene (C2H2), seeded in an argon supersonic jet expansion and submitted to a plasma discharge. The plasma-ind...

Saturn’s moon Titan was explored by the Cassini mission for nearly 13 years. Important discoveries made during the Cassini mission include the observations of stratospheric clouds in Titan’s cold polar regions in which spectral features or organic molecules were detected in the infrared (<100 μm). In particular, benzene (C6H6) ice spectral signatur...

Interstellar carbon has been detected in both gas-phase molecules and solid particles. The goal of this study is to identify the link between these two phases of cosmic carbon. Here we report preliminary results on the low temperature formation of carbonaceous dust grains from gas-phase aromatic hydrocarbon precursors. This is done using the supers...

A Round Table discussion on the future of Laboratory Astrophysics and the role of IAU Commission B5 was held on the fourth day of the conference to discuss how the IAU Laboratory Astrophysics Commission (B5) can best support the astronomy community and help promote laboratory astrophysics.

The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment is a unique experimental platform that allows to simulate Titan’s complex atmospheric chemistry at low Titan-like temperature by generating a plasma discharge in the stream of a plasma jet expansion. Both gas and solid phase products are generated and can be analyzed using different in-situ and ex-situ dia...

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) molecules are attracting much attention in the astrophysical and astrochemical communities because of their ubiquitous presence in space due to their ability to survive in the harsh environmental conditions of the interstellar medium (ISM). The objective of this work is to provide gas phase, high-resolution sp...

Laboratory astrophysics is the Rosetta Stone that enables astronomers to understand and interpret the distant cosmos. It provides the tools to interpret and guide astronomical observations and delivers the numbers needed to quantitatively model the processes taking place in space, providing a bridge between observers and modelers. IAU Symposium 350...

Laboratory studies for planetary science and astrobiology aimat advancing our understanding of the Solar System through the promotion of theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that shape it. Laboratory studies (experimental and theoretical) are crucial to interpret observations and mission data, and are key incubators f...

We outline a flagship-class mission concept focused on studying Titan as a global system, with particular emphasis on the polar regions. Investigating Titan from the unique standpoint of a polar orbit would enable comprehensive global maps to uncover the physics and chemistry of the atmosphere, and the topography and geophysical environment of the...

The “science-softCon UV/Vis⁺ Photochemistry Database” (www.photochemistry.org) is a large and comprehensive collection of EUV-VUV-UV-Vis-NIR spectral data and other photochemical information assembled from published peer-reviewed papers. The database contains photochemical data including absorption, fluorescence, photoelectron, and circular and lin...

Carbon is ubiquitous in space and plays a key role in prebiotic chemistry. Astronomical observations have found interstellar carbon in the form of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as carbonaceous dust, confirming its presence in both gaseous and solid phases. The goal of this study is to experimentally investigate low-temperature che...

Major discoveries made during the Cassini mission include observations of organics-rich stratospheric clouds in Titan's cold polar regions in IR spectral regions <100 μm. In particular, the detection of benzene (C6H6) clouds at unexpected high altitudes in the South polar region has reinforced the need for combined experimental, modeling and observ...

Abstract Astrophysics advances, in part, through laboratory astrophysics studies of the underlying processes controlling the observed properties of the Cosmos. These studies encompass both theoretical and experimental research. Robust support for laboratory astrophysics is critically needed to maximize the scientific return of astronomical observat...

Here we study the effect of nitrogen insertion on the electronic spectra of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) molecules measured under laboratory conditions that are relevant for comparison with astronomical data. We examine the case of the substitution of carbon atoms by nitrogen atoms in the benzenoid skeleton of phenanthrene (C14H10), a prot...

Dear Colleagues, we have a limited number of free copies of the 12th Edition (2019) “UV/Vis+ Spectra Data Base(UV/Vis+ Photochemistry Database)” CD-ROM available. Please note that these free copies will only distributed for academic, non-commercial utilization (Universities, governmental organizations). Please contact [email protected] ....

Aerosol particles in Titan’s atmosphere impact its thermal structure and can act as condensation nuclei for the formation of clouds. Following the northern spring equinox in August 2009, Titan’s global atmospheric circulation reversed within two years. This event also increased the mixing ratios of benzene (C6H6) and other species at the South pole...

We are now on a clear trajectory for improvements in exoplanet observations that will revolutionize our ability to characterize their atmospheric structure, composition, and circulation, from gas giants to rocky planets. However, exoplanet atmospheric models capable of interpreting the upcoming observations are often limited by insufficiencies in t...

About two generations ago, a large part of AMO science was dominated by experimental high energy collision studies and perturbative theoretical methods. Since then, AMO science has undergone a transition and is now dominated by quantum, ultracold, and ultrafast studies. But in the process, the field has passed over the complexity that lies between...

About two generations ago, a large part of AMO science was dominated by experimental high energy collision studies and perturbative theoretical methods. Since then, AMO science has undergone a transition and is now dominated by quantum, ultracold, and ultrafast studies. But in the process, the field has passed over the complexity that lies between...

A numerical model is presented for interpreting the chemical pathways that lead to the experimental mass spectra acquired in the Titan Haze Simulation (THS) laboratory experiments and for comparing the electron density and temperature of the THS plasma to observations made at Titan by the Cassini spacecraft. The THS plasma is a pulsed glow-discharg...

The techniques of low temperature spectroscopy are applied here to analyze infrared observational data of Io in the 2.0-5.0 μm range. The presence of solid H 2 S and traces of H 2 O in the SO 2 -dominant surface ices are derived from this analysis and it is suggested that CO 2 clusters may as well be present near the surface of Io.

The carriers of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are largely unidentified molecules ubiquitously present in the interstellar medium (ISM). After decades of study, two strong and possibly three weak near-infrared DIBs have recently been attributed to the C+60 fullerene based on observational and laboratory measurements. There is great promise f...

Astrophysical spectroscopy is undergoing a renaissance with both ground- and space-based spectrometers reaching never-before-seen resolutions, and a range of new space missions that will extend these capabilities further. As a cross-dis- ciplinary field, laboratory astrophysics requires special and targeted effort to ensure that measurements and ca...

We describe the characteristics and the capabilities of the laboratory facility, COSmIC, that was developed at NASA Ames to generate, process and analyze interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory. COSmIC stands for ’Cosmic Simulation Chamber’ and is dedicated to the study of neutral and ionized molecules and nanoparticles...

This paper presents the first results of the solid phase analysis of the Titan tholins generated in the Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiments. This study complements the gas phase analysis study that was presented in a previous publication introducing the THS capabilities. In the THS experiment, the chemistry is simulated by plasma in the stream...

Spectral information (gas, liquid and solid phase from EUV-VUV-UV-Vis-NIR) and related data (e.g. information concerning publications on quantum yield studies or photolysis studies) from published papers. The 11th edition of the science-softCon "UV/Vis+ Spectra Data Base" contains about 10500 spectra/data sheets (ascii-format) as well as about 350...

Commission 14 has been operating for almost a century. It was one of the 32 Standing IAU Commissions and established in 1919. The main purpose of Commission 14 is to foster interactions between the astronomical community and those conducting research on atoms, molecules, and solid state particles to provide data vital to reducing and analysing astr...

Laboratory astrophysics is the Rosetta stone that enables astronomers to understand and interpret the cosmos. The IAU Commission 14, the predecessor of the new IAU Laboratory Astrophysics Commission C. B5 and the AAS Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) decided to coordinate their efforts this summer to hold a joint meeting at the IAU General Ass...

In the Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment, Titan's atmospheric chemistry is simulated by plasma discharge in the stream of a supersonic expansion, i.e. at low Titan-like temperature (150 K). Here, we present complementary gas and solid phase analyses of four N 2 -CH 4 -based gas mixtures that demonstrate the unique capability of the THS to moni...

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered as plausible carriers for the extended red emission (ERE), a photoluminescent process associated with a wide variety of interstellar environments, as well as for broad emission band features seen in cometary spectra. We report the absorption spectra of phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pe...

We discuss the capabilities of the laboratory facility, COSmIC, that was developed to generate, process and analyze interstellar, circumstellar and planetary analogs in the laboratory

Spectral information (gas, liquid and solid phase from EUV-VUV-UV-Vis-NIR) and related data (e.g. information concerning publications on quantum yield studies or photolysis studies) from published papers. This database is a work in permanent progress. Additional spectra and data sheets will be added continuously.

Abstract Translucent clouds represent a middle ground between the diffuse and dense interstellar medium. In these clouds the total dust extinction lies in the range of AV = 1.5 to 10 magnitudes, hydrogen is predominantly in molecular form, and carbon becomes neutral and then molecular (in the form of CO). Our goal is to characterize such clouds tow...

The ORGANIC experiment on EXPOSE-R spent 682 days outside the International Space Station, providing continuous exposure to the cosmic-, solar- and trapped-particle radiation background for fourteen samples: 11 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and three fullerenes. The thin films of the ORGANIC experiment received, during space exposure, an...

This paper presents a spectral survey of diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) in the NIR range, from 0.9 to 2.5 micron. The observations were designed to detect new DIBs, confirm previously proposed NIR DIBs, and characterise their behaviour with respect to known line-of-sight properties (including the optical DIBs present in our spectra). X-shooter a...

The OREOcube (ORganics Exposure in Orbit cube) experiment on the International Space Station (ISS) will investigate the effects of solar and cosmic radiation on organic thin films supported on inorganic substrates. Probing the kinetics of structural changes and photo- modulated organic-inorganic interactions with real-time in-situ UV-visible spectr...

THE TITAN AEROSOL SIMULANTS PRODUCED AT LOW TEMPERATURE IN THE TITAN HAZE SIMULATION EXPERIMENT AT NASA AMES: A CLOSER ANALOG OF TITAN’S AEROSOLS? E. M. Sciamma-O’Brien1,2*, K. T. Upton3, J. L. Beauchamp3, F. Salama1, 1NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA ([email protected]); 2Bay Area Environmental Research Institute, Sonoma,...

We present the first results of an exploratory VLT/X-Shooter survey of near-infrared diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) in diffuse to translucent interstellar clouds. These observations confirm the presence of recently discoved NIR DIBs and provide more accurate rest wavelengths and line widths. Example spectra are shown for the reddened, AV ~ 10 ma...

In Titan's atmosphere, a complex chemistry between N 2 and CH 4 occurs at temperatures lower than 200K and leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently solid aerosols that form the haze surrounding Titan. The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment has been developed at the NASA Ames COSmIC facility to study Titan's atmospheric chemis...

Inter- and circumstellar ices comprise different molecules accreted on cold dust particles. These icy dust grains provide a molecule reservoir where particles can interact and react. As the grain acts as a third body, capable of absorbing energy, icy surfaces in space have a catalytic effect. Chemical reactions are triggered by a number of possible...

Titan's atmosphere, composed mainly of N 2 and CH 4 , is the siege of a complex chemistry, which occurs at temperatures lower than 200K and leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently solid aerosols that form the haze surrounding Titan. The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment has been developed at the NASA Ames COSmIC facility to...

The meeting was called to order by the Chair, who followed the agenda that had been sent to the membership prior to the meeting. The membership of the Commission stands at approximately 220 members, excluding the new members who will join the commission at the end of this General Assembly.

Titan's atmosphere, composed mainly of N 2 and CH 4 , is the siege of a complex chemistry induced by solar UV radiation and electron bombardment from Saturn's magnetosphere. This organic chemistry occurs at temperatures lower than 200 K and leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently solid aerosols that form the orange haze surround...

Titan's atmosphere, composed mainly of N 2 and CH 4 , is the siege of a complex chemistry induced by solar UV radiation and electron bombardment from Saturn's magnetosphere. This organic chemistry occurs at temperatures lower than 200 K and leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently solid aerosols that form the orange haze surround...

The spectra of neutral and ionized PAHs isolated in the gas phase at low temperature have been measured in the laboratory under conditions that mimic interstellar conditions and are compared with a set of astronomical spectra of reddened, early type stars. The comparisons of astronomical and laboratory data provide upper limits for the abundances o...

The study of formation and destruction processes of cosmic dust is essential to understand and to quantify the budget of extraterrestrial organic molecules. Although dust with all its components plays an important role in the evolution of interstellar chemistry and in the formation of organic molecules, little is known on the formation and destruct...

Spectral information (gas, liquid and solid phase from EUV-VUV-UV-Vis-NIR) and related data (e.g. information concerning publications on quantum yield studies or photolysis studies) from published papers. The 9th edition of the science-softCon "UV/Vis+ Spectra Data Base" contains about 6900 spectra/data sheets (ascii-format) as well as more than 1...

The OREOcube experiment will use in situ spectroscopy to study minerals and organic compounds exposed to LEO radiation conditions on an ISS external platform.

Ex situ study of Titan tholins generated in a lab experiment simulating the first and intermediary steps of Titan’s atmospheric chemistry at low temperature.

A mass spectrometry study of the gas phase in a lab experiment simulating the first and intermediate steps of Titan’s atmospheric chemistry at low temperature.

Organic compounds that survive in uncommon space environments are an important astrobiology focus. The ORganics Exposure in Orbit (OREOcube) experiment will investigate, in real time, chemical changes in organic compounds exposed to low Earth orbit radiation conditions on an International Space Station (ISS) external platform. OREOcube is packaged...

In Titan’s atmosphere, a complex chemistry between N2 and CH4 occurs at temperatures lower than 200K and leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently solid aerosols that form the haze surrounding Titan. The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment has been developed at the NASA Ames COSmIC facility to study Titan’s atmospheric chemistr...

In Titan’s atmosphere, a complex chemistry between its two main constituents, N2 and CH4, leads to the production of heavy molecules and subsequently to solid aerosols. The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment has been developed on the Ames simulation chamber, COSmIC, to study the chemical pathways that link the simple molecules resulting from th...

The purpose of the Laboratory Astrophysics Division (LAD) is to advance our understanding of the Universe through the promotion of fundamental theoretical and experimental research into the underlying processes that drive the Cosmos. LAD represents all areas of astrophysics and planetary sciences. The first new AAS Division in more than 30 years, t...

Abstract We report the first science results from the Space Environment Viability of Organics (SEVO) payload aboard the Organism/Organic Exposure to Orbital Stresses (O/OREOS) free-flying nanosatellite, which completed its nominal spaceflight mission in May 2011 but continues to acquire data biweekly. The SEVO payload integrates a compact UV-visibl...

The lunar surface is constantly ‘activated’ through bombardment of solar radiation and micrometeorites. This ‘activation’ is significant enough to affect the surface dust by creating free radicals, dangling bonds and lattice defeats. Hence, the reactive effect of the dust particles on spacecraft instrumentation and human toxicology is a concern. Th...

Solar UV radiation and electron bombardment from Saturn’s magnetosphere dissociate nitrogen and methane in Titan’s atmosphere, leading to the production of heavier molecules and solid organic aerosols that contribute to the haze layers giving Titan its characteristic orange color. The detection of benzene and toluene, critical precursors of polycyc...

Aromatic networks are among the most abundant organic material in space. PAHs and fullerenes have been identified in meteorites and are thought to be among the carriers for numerous astronomical absorption and emission features. Thin films of selected PAHs and fullerenes have been subjected to the low Earth orbit environment as part of the ORGANIC...

We describe and discuss the laboratory experiments that were designed to test the proposal of relating the origin of some of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) to neutral and ionized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in diffuse interstellar clouds. The spectra of several cold, isolated gas-phase PAH ions and neutral molecules have...

The study of the formation and destruction processes of cosmic dust is essential to understand and to quantify the budget of extraterrestrial organic molecules. Although dust with all its components plays an important role in the evolution of interstellar chemistry and in the formation of organic molecules, little is known on the formation and dest...