Zapping Titan-like atmosphere with UV rays creates life precursors
Tuesday, June 29, 2010 - 21:28
in Astronomy & Space
The first experimental evidence showing how atmospheric nitrogen can be incorporated into organic macromolecules is being reported by researchers. The finding indicates what organic molecules might be found on Titan, the moon of Saturn that scientists think is a model for the chemistry of pre-life Earth. Earth and Titan are the only known planetary-sized bodies that have thick, predominantly nitrogen atmospheres.