c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 1 AGE P : Organic Molecules in Online and the Australian Centre for Molecules Astronomy Based on a presentation by Jeremy Bailey, ACA Astrobiology A joint venture by Swinburne HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Synthesis of Complex Organic Space c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 2 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space the production of elements; extraterrestrial organic molecules – where we find themhow and organic how material we is detect delivered them; to and the Earth. • • • Finally, we will look at chirality in molecules in space and compare this to chirality of biomolecules. We have learned about the importanceIn of biomolecules this to Activity, life we on will Earthformed (and look in possibly at space life and elsewhere). how arrived the on elements Earth. and In compounds particular, we that will make look up at: biomolecules were Summary c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 3 AGE P and nitrogen. oxygen , hydrogen HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Prebiotic organic molecules are just organicdo molecules that not are have not a produced biological by origin. living things, so they There is aatmosphere, wide at hydrothermal variety vents within of theBut sources Earth’s before oceans, we of plus look a at prebiotic host thesemolecules of sources organic are. extraterrestrial in sources. molecules, detail, let’s including first ensure within weOrganic understand molecules the what are prebiotic based Earth’s on organic carbon, usually in combination with Introduction c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 4 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Organic molecules are fundamental to the chemistryWhile of life. naturally occurring organicorganic compounds molecules on can easily Earth be are produced by usually abiotic produced processes. by living organisms, c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 5 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space As we have seen in previousrequired Activities, may if have come life from arose atmospheric spontaneouslyelements chemistry on and or Earth, organic from the material hydrothermal prebiotic come vents. molecules from But in whereThere did the the first is place? a lot ofthis evidence material for is organic of biological material origin in (despite space.In the this claims However, Activity, of we there will panspermia is give supporters). no amolecules. brief evidence But overview that of we some any will of of first the start extraterrestrial sources with of the prebiotic creation organic of the elements themselves. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 6 AGE P supernova about 13 Byr ago), all the Big Bang , with elements heavier than iron synthesised in (which were produced in the stars helium . planets HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space The production of elements explosions at the end of the lives ofThe massive elements stars. are then distributedstars back – into and space and are recycled, forming future generations of We know that theappreciable Earth concentrations has of oxides a of core aluminum,crust. calcium of and Where iron sodium, did and and all a these nickel, predominately elements silicate a come mantleApart from of and from how hydrogen magnesium-iron did and silicates, theyother find plus themselves elements in are the Earth? produced in c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 7 AGE P , and quarks protons coalesced to form quarks of inflation which resulted in the formation of second period (massive particles). The universe continued to expand and cool until hadrons began with a radiation-dominated phase which, after cooling, turned into a were stable. could then fuse to form helium nuclei. universe HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space combined to form quarks once the strong force decoupled from the weak and electromagnetic forces. The electrons protons matter-dominated phase. Within a fraction of a The Big Bang createdof both matter matter over anti-matter!). and anti-matter There (and, was a luckily brief for us, there was a slight excess The Big Bang nucleosynthesis c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 8 AGE P mass radiation photon declined and nucleosynthesis of density . 10 − that could form via collisions during this nucleosynthesis K. Hydrogen, deuterium and helium could then form. 9 element mwhite/darkmatter/bbn.html wright/BBNS.html ∼ ∼ elements halted. was lithium. However, lithium is destroyed by fusion reactions in stars, so it is difficult to light HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space such http://astron.berkeley.edu/ http://www.astro.ucla.edu/ at a temperature of about of about 10 Besides H and He, the only other stars, suggesting an initial Li/H ratio of aboutBeyond 10 about 100 seconds after the Big Bang, the matter For details of Big Bang nucleosynthesis, follow these links: epoch determine its initial abundance. Some lithium is still present in the cool outer layers of low About 100 seconds after the Big Bang, protons, neutrons and electrons existed in c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 9 AGE P . planet , tells us that the excess mass of the fusion process is converted 2 E = mc fuse to produce helium, and the ashes of subsequent fusion processes give us the atoms HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space elements of the periodic table – theEinstein’s material famous out equation, of which living systems are made. into energy. So as wellenergy as supply, producing allowing life the to elements develop of on life, the nuclear star’s accompanying fusion also ensures a continuous Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen andhydrogen other ‘life elements’ are synthesised in stars. In the cores of stars, Elements of low mass stars c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 10 AGE P starts to star γ + 2 ν + 2 + e enters the red giant phase, it will engulf the + 2 Sun + H 1 + 2 , 2 neutrinos and energy, and can be written as: ++ . When the He 4 photons → + H red giant 1 6 star called a balance. This results in the ignition of helium burning. luminous HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space pressure inner terrestrial planets, including the Earth. . . Helium fusion releases more energycool but than hydrogen fusion, so the star swells, forming a large and Once the hydrogen in the core has been exhausted, we’re left with a helium core. The In the cores ofneutrons). stars, The hydrogen reaction nuclei also emits (protons) 2 are fused to form helium nuclei (2 protons and 2 contract (since the hydrogen fusionthe ceases) and the temperature and density increase, maintaining c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 11 AGE P times less abundant that 6 stars stars, the helium fuses to form carbon, and carbon and helium 1 AGB asymptotic giant branch : NASA/GSFC HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space AGB stars: Credit 1 carbon. fuse to form oxygen. Carbon and oxygenThe are the table most below abundant shows elements the produceddetails abundances in of stars. of nuclear elements physics. in Note the that Universe, lithium, which beryllium are and determined boron by are the 10 In the core of red giants and c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 12 AGE P supernova type Ia phase. Carbon rich nebula planetary : Hubble Heritage, NASA/STScI 6543 Cat’s Eye Planetary Nebula. NGC Credit of expanding gas around the star during the , its companion may supply mass to the white dwarf, provoking a . A single white dwarf will simply continue cooling and fade away. If the star is in a shells HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space The red giant phase only lastslayers a form few million years. The last stage of burning is unstable and the outer white dwarf binary system material may be dredgedsooty up cocoon of by graphite. convection and freshlyOnce synthesised the central material fuel escapes, supply is forming exhausted, a the core of the red giant contracts, resulting in a cooling event and the synthesis of new elements. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 13 AGE P and material expands outwards galaxy are the result of exploding massive stars. The higher central . life. year black hole or type II supernovae HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space at over 1000 km/s. Asentire much 10 energy billion is released in a supernova explosion as our Sun outputs in its neutron star The core cannot contractcore any further and and rebounds, as sendingexplodes. the out outer The huge exploding material shock star rushes waves. shines inwards brighter The it than shock collides an reaches with entire the the surface and the star temperatures lead tomagnesium. a Oxygen fusions more yields diverse silicon and set sulfur.Iron Silicon of fuses is to reactions. form the iron. elements most Carbon past tightly iron nuclei bound require fuseno nucleus. energy. way to to Fusion form So generate once energy reactions neon by an usually and fusion. iron release core The energy, has core but will formed fusion collapse in in of a just massive seconds, star, resulting there’s in either a “Normal” Elements of high mass stars c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 14 AGE P that went supernova on February 23, Large Magellanic Cloud star in the

. play a special role in the chemical enrichment of the Universe. The supernovae atom supernovae images taken in 1994 revealed a ring around the supernova. Its expanding rings of material are HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space caused by successive cycles(ISM) of with star heavy formation elements. and destruction that enrich the interstellar medium HST eject layers of unprocessed material from within theNew star, elements belching are out He, also C,heavier synthesised O, than Si, behind S. iron the . . to shockthen fuse. wave uranium. – Neutrons These the bombard heavy intense elementsjust iron heat one are nuclei, allowing uranium very producing elements rare gold – for and, everySN subsequently, 100 1987A lead billion was hydrogen a atoms 201987. there M Neutrinos is were detected in Ohiosatellites and and Japan balloons a detected few gamma hours after rays emitted the star by began the to newborn brighten, radioactive while nuclei. Type II c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 15 AGE P , we can see that our planet’s host star contains Sun ElementHydrogen Symbol Relative number of HHelium atoms Oxygen He 1,000,000 Carbon ONitrogen 63,000 CSilicon N 690 Magnesium Mg 420 Si 87 40 45 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Note that thesepredominate. same elements are not as common on Earth, where O, Si, Fe, Al and Mg If we look at the abundance of elements in the Extraterrestrial organic molecules all the main elements of life: H, O, C and N. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 16 AGE P System, the Galaxy and the and meteorites, in dense, cold Solar comets , and in the interstellar medium of external planetary nebulae . HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space galaxies But let’s first look at some of these sources and how we detect the organics in them. more distant Universe. Organic material has been found in As well as in the Sun, we find organicinterstellar material clouds, elsewhere in in energetic young the protostellar environmentsas (which planets may be are particularly a important the natural by-product envelopes of of the evolved star stars formation and process), in diffuse interstellar clouds, in c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 17 AGE P spectra , the most distant and presumably the oldest objects in the Universe, contain H, as we would HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Quasar Quasars expect, but their spectra also reveal S,have O produced and the C. heavy This elements means seen that in an quasars. ancientWhile generation no of one stars suggests must thatearly quasars in might the host history life, of it the is Universe. interesting that organic material existed so c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 18 AGE P . Because these clouds are so cold (10–50 K), (which is also the most difficult to detect – it is not 2 dust like most other molecules). The second most common molecule is : Left: Bill McCutcheon (University of British Columbia); in these clouds is H NGC6334 seen in CO emission. Credit Right: Glenn White, University of Kent molecule radio wavelengths HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space most of the gas isnew in stars form. the form of molecules.The These most molecules common provide the raw material from which Molecular clouds Molecular clouds are cold clouds of gas and CO (which is radio detectable).clouds, More hence than their 100 name! different molecules have been detected in molecular detected at c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 19 AGE P ) and the surfaces of the grains can often contain 3 , NH 4 O, CH 2 ,H 2 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space organic molecules. Dust also has an importantup role to of play common in molecules molecular clouds. (CO The dust grains have icy mantles made c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 20 . AGE P ultraviolet molecular cloud ) and some random motion dust grain , the grains act as a catalyst, introducing atoms and Star Formation HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space starlight that can break the molecular bonds. So dust can increase the chance of still more complex molecules being formed in a can ensure that they merge. Once new molecules are formed, the dust grain can then shield them from high-energy As discussed in themolecules Activity of gaselectrostatic) to forces each between atoms other andother, so small but a molecules that much may larger, be sticky, they tarry too object can (like weak the for form surface them of a larger to attract molecules. each The (gravitational or c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 21 AGE P more complex molecules. Some of these molecules can produce . Credit: Courtesy A. Tielens wavelengths HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space However, UV irradiation can also be returned to the gasmillimetre phase (especially in “hot cores” of molecular clouds) and can be detected at c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 22 . AGE P velocity ), the nuclei of 2 . (which occur in atoms as well follow this link of molecules are due to transitions between allowed . We say that the molecule has 3 translational degrees of freedom electronic transitions absorption lines translational motion HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space The entire molecule can move through space in some particular direction with a specific For more information on electronic transitions, energy states. As well as having molecules can also move relative tostates that one atoms another, do. so molecules have manyThere more are potential three quantum main types of motion(1) that molecules can undergo: This is called (x, y and z directions in2 3D space). Just as for atoms, emission and Molecular transitions and quantum mechanics c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 23 AGE P and translations freedom. ). vibrational . Again there are three degrees of rotational . 3 axis follow this link . Each atom has three degrees of vibrational freedom to about some vibrate rotate of the molecule itself, and 3N - 6 degrees of HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space The molecule can also And finally the molecule can Note that linear molecules only have two degrees of rotational freedom, since a rotation about the So a molecule composed of N atoms has 3N degrees of freedom, six of which are rotations freedom (for the x, y and z directions(3) in 3D space) move relative to the otheroften atoms given (for the descriptive x, names, yanimations like of and stretching, these z various bending, directions vibrational in scissoring, modes, 3D rocking space). and Vibrational twisting. modes are (To see 3 axis of symmetry doesn’t do anything. This leaves 3N - 5 degrees of vibrational freedom. (2) c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 24 AGE P – vibrational and vibration-rotation spectra; and HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space infrared microwave – rotational spectra. UV and visible – electronic spectra; • • • Translational motions are not quantized,are. while the energies of(vibrational-rotational rotational Transitions transitions) and as are vibrational well transitions as alsotransitions). the electrical and possible rotational states that (electronic-rotational The change type of both transition thatgeneral, the occurs molecular depends spectra of vibrational can the be exact divided and amount into of three rotational energy spectral the ranges: molecule states receives. In c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 25 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space The types of transitions possible alsoexperience depend all three on transitions the (translations, state vibrational of and the rotational), molecule. whileTo think solids Gases, can for about only example, the can vibrate. vibrationalthey modes can’t of spin around solids, individually think (rotate)can of or still people cross turn standing to their the in heads other a (vibrate). side circle of holding the circle hands (translate), – but they c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 26 AGE P in New telescope such as the Mopra telescopes ATNF/ CSIRO c

: Mopra radiotelescope,NSW Coonabarabran, Credit of a molecule defines the energy and orientation of a molecule’s tumbling rotational state HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space South Wales, Australia. The motion though 3D space. When a molecule spontaneouslyphoton drops at from radio or one millimetre-wave rotational frequencies. energy state to another, it releases a Molecules can be detected using millimetre-wave Radio rotational lines c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 27 AGE P Credit: Tielens et al. (1999), Foing & Ehrenfreund (1997) HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Table of molecules The many narrow lines seen inTo molecular date, clouds over allow 100 unambiguous different detection molecules of have specific been molecules. detected in molecular clouds. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 28 AGE P centre of the 1995: c

COOH) in Sgr B2, Orion KL, and W51. Subsequently, 2 CH 2 Board of Trustees, University of Illinois) Millimetre image of Sagittarius B2. Credit: R. Plante, NCSA/Univ. of Illinois ( . HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Synder et al.identification are (2005) extremely difficult have and controversial. disputed the Kuan et al. (2003) detection. The observations and Milky Way The glycine was detectedgrains in within the a cloud gaseous and evaporated state whenet heated. and al. This Miao detection was suggested not (1995) confirmed thatreported using by it F. Combes the the may detection 30m have of IRAM been glycine telescope. coating (NH However, in 2003, Kuan and collaborators (again) In 1994, Miao anddetection of Kuan the (of amino acid the glycine University in of the star-forming Illinois region at Sagittarius Urbana) B2 near and the collaborators reported the c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 29 AGE P replicated experimentally HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space As glycine is an importantmean amino that acid the in ingredients of the life formation are of freelyIn proteins available 2002, for in Max life space! Bernstein on of Earth, NASA’sthe Ames a conditions Research detection thought Center and may to colleagues be presentalanine in and interstellar serine. clouds, and produced three amino acids: glycine, c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 30 AGE P : ESA Infrared Space Observatory Credit m) can excite molecular µ HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space vibrations to higher energy levels.from IR vibrations absorption of bandsmantles result solid on state dust moleculesstretching grains. in of Specifically, bonds the the suchdistinguish form specific bands as molecules, of except are C-H, for icy the due C-C, simplest. etc. to It is difficult to Infrared absorption bandstelescopes are or observed with satellitesObservatory. ground-based such as ISO,Mid-infrared the radiation Infrared (2.5–50 Space Infrared absorption bands c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 31 AGE P Credit: R. Daly, Eden, NSW HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 32 AGE P m (CO ice µ W33A provides the IR energy ice features), 4.67 2 protostar m (CO µ m (Gibb et al. 2000). The spectra showed µ m spectrum of W33A. µ m (water ice features), 4.27 µ 2.4–25 Credit: A. Tielens m (silicate features). A large number of organics are also seen in the 2 – 2.5 µ HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space m range. features), and 10 µ which the molecules in the surrounding cloudISO absorb. observations were made of W33A from 2.4 - 25 absorptions bands at 3 A variety of molecules canyoung be stars. detected In in this the example IR of the absorption W33A bands cloud, of the molecular massive clouds surrounding c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 33 AGE P and can be detected at IR wavelengths. We Examples of IR emission features. Credit: Tielens et al. (1999) blackbody ; and 3 O and NH 2 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space evaporation of simple mantle moleculesdrive can complex gas phase chemistry. cold phase chemistrygrains during cloud and collapse can result accretion inCHN CO, onto and acetylene formation; grain surfaceproduce reactions H (sputtering) can 3. 1. 2. can detect the IR emissionshocks. of dust in hot molecular coresThere that have are been three heated possible radiativelyhot and origins molecular by cores: for organics in When dust is heated, it re-radiates like a Infrared emission from hot molecular cores c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 34 AGE P which pushes them outwards, radiation pressure stellar : NASA/STScI The “Rotten Egg” Nebula and the associatedCredit outflow from an AGB star. HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space and the grains then drag the gas outwardsCarbon that with is them. not already in COgrains molecules such is as incorporated PAHs. into organic molecules and carbonaceous The dust and refractory grains arebranch produced (post-AGB), in M the giants, cool supergiants envelopes andatmospheres of carbon late-type and stars. post-asymptotic power giant The the grains outflowing are circumstellar formed winds. inThe grains, the unlike cool the outer gas, are affected by the Dust production c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 35 AGE P Credit: Tielens et al. (1999) HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space PAHs aregas found phase inThey diffuse and comprise clouds attachedaromatic in a hydrocarbons to that the interconnected group dust 6-carbon (benzene) contain rings. grains. of multiple PAHs can very be produced stable carbon in stars the and may atmospheres also result of processing from energetic of iceprobably in the most dense abundant organicin clouds. molecules space. They’re Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 36 AGE P m). They detected strong µ : NASA/STScI NGC 6302 - the Bug Nebula Credit HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space In 2005, Matsuura and collaborators(at observed L- the and “Bug M-bands), Nebula”, NGC and 6302, the with James HST, Clerk ESO’s VLT Maxwell Telescope (at 450 PAH emission in an ionised shell of gasOn close Earth, to the PAHs central are ionisingchemically. hot produced star. from biological processes but those found in space are produced c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 37 AGE P in dense clouds as follows: phases HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space (where CR in the diagram above stands for ‘cosmic rays’) We can summarise the various pathways between gas and ice Cycle of ice and gas in dense clouds c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 38 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space So far, we have discussed where to findHowever, what organic are molecules the in possible space mechanisms andprobability of how of delivery we subsequent and detect existence how them. on do Earth? the different methods affect the Delivery of organic material to Earth c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 39 AGE P formed at Moon impacts in the first 100 Myr may have delivered organics to : ESO Credit meteorite HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space this time. The end offor the life heavy on bombardment Earth. period ( 3.8 ByrIt ago) is coincides thought with that the cometary first and evidence the Earth (Chyba & Sagan 1992), which may have helped the development of life. We know already that theSolar Earth System. underwent a period ofThe heavy heavy bombardment bombardment early phase in occurredThe in the the life Earth first of and few the hundred other millionSystem planets years (asteroids of were and the comets) bombarded Solar and by System. we left-over know debris that from most of the the formation large of craters the on the Solar c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 40 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Interestingly the size of theare potential large delivery enough object to tells bethe you object differentiated, if is the the too heating organics small to process cancontain differentiate, organics survive! should the while have organics If the destroyed will objects differentiated be any asteroids retained. organics. (and So hence comets If stony and and C-type iron asteroids meteorites) do not. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 41 AGE P AAO c

Hyukatake (Comet C/1996 B2) : Comet Credit 3 of “parent” OH, HCOOCH 3 , CH 2 sublimation H 2 ,C 2 O, CO, CO 2 near to the Sun, . orbit ions CN. 3 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space and CH Organics in comets volatiles leads toradicals and the production of “daughter” molecules, When comets In 1986, in situVega 1 observations and 2 of found comet largerecent amounts Halley of observations by dust and of Giotto organics.have and identified More comets over 25 Hayakutake parent species. and Hale-Bopp Molecules in comets detected byIR millimetre-wave, spectra optical include and H c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 42 AGE P the comet as it journeys towards the Sun. orbiting . : ESA follow this link Artist’s impression of Rosetta orbiter and lander. Credit HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space For details of the mission, ESA’s Rosetta spacecraft will be thequarters. first Rosetta to was undertake launched the on long-termaround 2 Comet exploration March 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko of in 2004 a 2014, from comet the Kourou, at spacecraftthe French will close icy Guiana. release nucleus, a After then small entering spend lander orbit the onto next two years c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 43 AGE P The Murchison meteorite fell inon Murchison, Victoria, 28 Australia, Septemberwas 1969. collected fromthe the A meteorite impact contained total a site. wideincluding of variety many of amino Analysis organic acids 100 compounds identified). showed (more kg that than 100 of have material nowAs been well as theshow Murchison a Meteorite, much a wider few varietymolecular similar of clouds. meteorites molecules Were than these areacids) molecules detected formed (such in in as the thecome meteorite amino from or molecular its clouds? parentclouds we body, or may If expect do they(which to they are come find the least from the processed examples same molecular ofalthough primordial molecules they material, in are not comets totally pristine. . . ). : F. Coffa, Museum Victoria HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Credit Organics in meteorites c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 44 AGE P -molecule reactions, in the pre-accretion gas cloud or even in ion HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space the ISM, or that they(the resulted presence from of which reactions seems taking increasingly place certain) on and the anhydrous minerals. parent body between liquid water The most widely-accepted interpretationcompounds of are the probably abiotic existence but of have the organics potentialMost in to of initiate meteorites life is the in that the earlierdue right carbon to explanations conditions. contamination for or artifacts theformation of origin of the the extraction of parent process) body organics involved of processes in the occurringHowever, meteorite. meteorites during the recent (apart from opinionmolecules them has formed, being perhaps shifted by somewhat; many astrobiologists now think that organic c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 45 AGE P C and pressures of 20 GPa and they found that some amino acid survives ◦ HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Until recently, most studiestransport assumed organic material. that It only wasthe thought small heat that in produced bodies major would and impact destroy events any dust of organic large particles compounds. Several comets studies and can now asteroids, suggest successfully some organicsfound can extraterrestrial in amino fact acids survive major (AIB(1994) impacts. and found Zhao isovaline) & extraterrestrial in Bada K/T fullerenes (1989) of impact from California sediments, K/T while Berkeley) and Becker reportedtemperatures et Sudbury up al. on to impacts. 800 laboratory Blank experiments et which al. simulated impact (University shocks with Delivery of organics to Earth in all cases. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 46 AGE P C. ◦ ratios of such trapped material can isotope He can be used to distinguish between extraterrestrial 4 He/ 3 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space indicate terrestrial or extraterrestrial origins. In particular, fullerenes canratio contain trapped He and the isotopic Fullerenes – as foundSudbury impacts by – Becker are et particularlya spherical interesting al. structure because that they naturally (1994) have traps material. at Analysis the of K/T and and terrestrial origin. Extraterrestrial isotopefrom ratios the have Sudburythe been impact (1.85 found Permian/Triassic Byr),and in border the Murchison fullerenes K/T (240 impact meteorites.extra-terrestrial Myr) and (65 some part Myr), and of the Therefore, impactor in must remain these below the 1000 fullerenes Allende are Fullerenes c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 47 . AGE P image. mirror How Life Began & Searching for LUCA HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space We have briefly introduced chirality earlier in the Activity Chiral molecules Remember that a chiral molecule is one that cannot be superposed on its c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 48 AGE P ): all , meaning homochirality racemic mixtures . Chirality is common in organic molecules. enantiomers HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space amino acids in living organisms areprocesses L depend form on while and all maintain sugars this in asymmetry. living organisms are D form. Biological Chirality is most commonlymolecule due is to chiral (mirror a asymmetric) tetrahedral ifimage arrangement four forms different of called groups attach bonds to around carbon, a resulting in carbon two atom. mirror A equal amounts of left handed (L) andLiving right handed organisms, (D) forms. on the other hand, use one form exclusively (and exhibit Laboratory synthesis of molecules from achiral precursors produces c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 49 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space As discussed before, amino(Bernstein acid et al. precursors 2002; can Munoz Caro be etIt formed al. had 2002). by been UV thought irradiationsufficient that of abundance amino in interstellar the acids ices rather gas may than phase be as to amino locked be acids upobservational (the detected, detection chiral in or of centre icy glycine that may is be dust they controversial already may (Kuan grains formed). et be and As al. present mentioned not 2003; as previously, Synder the present precursors et with al. 2005). c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 50 AGE P . follow this link HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space There is some controversymeteorite over are chiral whether or the not. extraterrestrial aminoEngel acids et al. found in (1982,amino the 1990, acids Murchison 1997) such find as large2–15%) alanine, enantiomeric in excesses while several (up Cronin a-methyl toacids amino and 50%) could acids. Pizzarello be in due (1997) common Other to protein find contamination. scientists, enantiomeric however,For believe excesses more that details, (of the chiral animo Chirality of the Murchison meteorite c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 51 AGE P source of circular polarized light could have imprinted chiral astronomical HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space asymmetry in interstellar moleculesmolecules could before then or find their during wayof onto the the Earth prebiotic formation during organic of the material heavydevelopment available the of bombardment for life phase origin Solar with and of System. left-handed form life. amino part This acids could These and have right-handed provided sugars. a trigger for the Rubenstein et al. (1983)Earth first may proposed have the an idea astrophysical origin. that (See theThe also homochirality Bonner, seen idea 1991, in and is living Greenberg, 1994, organisms that 1997.) on an Circular polarised light for origin of homochirality c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 52 AGE P in the star forming regions Orion nebulae High circular polarisations (red and white regions)light in from infrared reflection OMC1 (a region in the Orion nebulaCredit: M42). J. Bailey HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space IR circular polarisation ofobserved up in to 17%al. the has been Orion (1998),polarisation who nebula is suggest due by that toa the Bailey polarising interstellar high grate. dust et circular acting as If similar circular polarisation is presentit in the could UV, causeacids asymmetric in photolysis the cloud of or in amino a protostellar disk. c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 53 AGE P , etc.). However, the current detection of stellar winds HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space glycine, an amino acid, is controversial,can whilst produce laboratory several experiments types that of reproduce amino ISM conditions acids. Numerous delivery methods are available toeven transport survive organic the material extreme to physical Earth.large impacts. conditions Such material associated may with the heavy bombardment phase and In this Activity, wedelivery investigated to biomolecules, Earth. in Observationsof particular now sources reveal their (e.g. over dark formation 100 clouds, extraterrestrial in molecular organic cores, space molecules and in a possible variety Summary c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 54 AGE P HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Homochirality seen inpolarisation, living as organisms observed oninterstellar in molecules Earth IR before (and may orwas during if have delivered the to seen an Earth, formation it in of astrophysical could UV), have the origin. provided Solar could a trigger System. have for the imprinted Circular Hence, development of chiral if life. this asymmetry material in c Swinburne University of Technology, 2010 57 OF 55 , AGE P , 416, Science Nature , 355, p125 Nature , 281, p672 Science http://www.iram.fr/IRAMFR/ARN/sep95/node22.html , 372, p507 HET618-M07A01: Synthesis of ComplexOrganic Organic Molecules Molecules: in Space Combes, F. et al. 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