Articles tagged with Cosmochemistry
Researchers found amino acids are consistently more diverse and evenly distributed in biological samples than abiotic ones, while fatty acids show the opposite pattern. This fundamental principle of life may be detectable in data collected by space missions.
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has launched a new laboratory to investigate the chemical origins of planetary systems. The Nebular Origins of the Universe Research Laboratory aims to connect pre-planetary evolution to planetary formation, filling key data gaps in understanding the solar system's early history.
Researchers found that radiation in space can transform PAHs into pentagon-bearing molecules, which may be key to converting them into buckyballs. These findings shed light on the formation of fullerenes and could help scientists search for similar molecules using tools like the James Webb Space Telescope.
Astronomers have long been puzzled by the lack of molecular sulfur in space, but a new study suggests that it may be hiding in interstellar ice. The research identifies possible stable configurations of sulfur molecules that can form on icy dust grains, giving scientists a potential road map to solving the puzzle.
Scientists have isolated methanetetrol for the first time, an ortho acid thought to play a key role in early life chemistry. The compound is highly unstable but can release important compounds when given energy.
Researchers at Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik recreated a reaction under conditions similar to those in the early universe for the first time. They found that the rate of this reaction remains almost constant with decreasing temperature, contradicting previous predictions.
A 2.35-billion-year-old meteorite offers fresh insights into the Moon's volcanic history and suggests ongoing internal heat generation processes. The rock's distinct composition provides new constraints on when and how volcanic activity occurred on the Moon.
Arizona State University welcomes two new 51 Pegasi b Fellows, Matthew Nixon and Sagnick Mukherjee, to its exoplanet research team. The fellows will pursue independent research focusing on sub-Neptune planets, atmospheres, and theoretical models. ASU's leadership in exoplanet science positions the university as a hub for early-career t...
The study analyzed material from asteroid Bennu, finding evidence of building blocks of life, water, and energy. The team also discovered evaporites, which have been found on Earth in dried-out salt lakes, providing insights into the asteroid's formation.
Researchers from Göttingen University and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle. The findings support the idea that water reached Earth early in its development, contrary to the prevailing assumption of late impacts.
Scientists conducted computational simulations to clarify the origin of life on Earth. The study suggests that chiral asymmetry may have originated in space through CP Lyman-α emission line, influencing the production of biological amino acids.
Researchers propose that early interactions between the magma ocean and a molecular hydrogen proto-atmosphere could have given rise to Earth's signature features, including its abundant water. The study suggests that even dry rocky material collisions would generate large quantities of water through these atmospheric-magma interactions.
Scientists measured and compared amino acid abundances with rocky components of Ryugu particles, demonstrating water's role in their formation. The results suggest more ice was present in the precursor of one particle than the other, which may have contributed to the high abundance of a specific amino acid.
A team from Heidelberg University discovered a new class of asteroids rich in water, similar to dwarf planet Ceres. The small bodies are thought to have formed in a cold region at the edge of the Solar System before being impacted by gravitational disruptions.
A study published in Science Advances reports that the Moon inherited helium and neon from Earth's mantle, supporting the Giant Impact theory. The discovery was made possible by the use of a state-of-the-art noble gas mass spectrometer, Tom Dooley, which detected high concentrations of these gases in lunar meteorites.
Researchers from Aarhus and Berlin have developed an algorithm that can predict how complex molecules will bind to the surface of catalysts. This is achieved through a machine-learning approach inspired by 3D Tetris, allowing computers to quickly identify promising catalysts.
The samples returned from the Hayabusa2 mission provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. The study found that Ryugu contains hydrated minerals and evidence of freeze-thawing, indicating that it experienced both liquid and frozen water in its past.
A new study suggests that the Hypatia Stone, discovered in Egypt, may be the first tangible evidence on Earth of a supernova type Ia explosion. The stone's unique chemistry and elemental composition contradict conventional views of solar system formation, potentially revealing a long-hidden secret about our cosmic neighborhood.
Researchers detected dimethyl ether, the largest molecule identified in a planet-forming disc, using ALMA in Chile. The discovery suggests that complex molecules like dimethyl ether are available to feed forming planets, shedding light on the origin of life.
A new study by Rice University astrophysicist André Izidoro suggests that the sun had rings before planets formed, explaining many solar system features. The model simulates the solar system's formation hundreds of times and reproduces several features missed by previous models, including pressure bumps and rings.
Researchers have uncovered the truth behind the missing volatiles in meteorites, revealing a massive shockwave phenomenon that stripped elements from planetary building blocks. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's geochemical evolution and the Solar System's youth.
Researchers used TRAPPIST-1's harmonious orbits to determine the impact history of its seven Earth-sized planets. The study found that these planets could have withstood only limited late bombardment, implying a relatively small amount of water arrived on time for potential life.