NASA

Space Science: Laboratory Studies of Cosmic Ices and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

RO Number 17561
Location Ames Research Center (ARC)
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
Advisor Information
  • Allamandola, Louis :: 650-604-6890 :: Louis.J.Allamandola@nasa.gov
  • Mastrapa, Rachel :: 650 604-3335 :: Rachel.M.Mastrapa@nasa.gov
  • Mattioda, Andy :: 650-604-1075 :: Andrew.L.Mattioda@nasa.gov
  • Salama, Farid :: 650 604-3384 :: Farid.Salama@nasa.gov
  • Sandford, Scott :: 650-604-6849 :: Scott.Sandford@nasa.gov
Keyword(s) Comets; Cosmic dust; Evolution; Hydrocarbons; Interplanetary media and processes; Interstellar media and processes
Citizenship Requirement U.S. Citizens Accepted; Lawful Permanent Residents Accepted; Foreign Nationals Accepted
Description Major laboratory research is under way to study the composition, and the physical and chemical properties of interstellar and planetary materials. Among the materials studied are interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (the largest molecules in space), aerosols in planetary atmospheres, ice mantles on interstellar grains and ice in comets and on solar system bodies. Cosmic material analogs are produced in the laboratory under conditions realistically close to those expected in the interstellar and/or interplanetary medium (i.e., low [cryogenic] temperatures, high vacuum). Then, the materials are probed using current analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy in the ultraviolet to far-infrared range, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, gas chromatography). We are also studying the effects of interstellar and planetary processes (e.g., ultraviolet photolysis, and heating and cooling) on the structure and composition of these materials. Our goals are to provide quantitative information for interpreting observations from ground-, air-, and space-based observatories; to support the interpretation of data taken from extraterrestrial samples (cosmic dust, meteorites, and samples returned by spacecraft missions); to guide instrument development for future missions; and to help improve existing astrophysical models. This program is closely related to research described in related opportunities entitled "Astrophysics Research Analysis", "Planetary Atmospheres", "Observational Infrared Astronomy"; "Theoretical Astrophysics"; and "Cosmochemistry" and is part of NASA's Astrobiology program. For more information on the Astrophysics and Astrochemistry Laboratory, visit our Web site at http://www.astrochem.org