Exploring Refractory Organics in Extraterrestrial Particles

Abstract The origin of organic compounds detected in meteorites and comets, some which could have served as precursors life on Earth, remains an open question. aim the present study is to make one more step revealing nature composition materials extraterrestrial particles by comparing infrared spectra laboratory-made refractory residues cometary returned Stardust mission, interplanetary dust particles, meteorites. Our results reinforce idea a pathway for formation organics through energetic thermal processing molecular ices solar nebula. There also possibility that material had formed already parental cloud before it entered majority IR “organic” bands studied can be reproduced laboratory residues. We confirm detection water, nitriles, hydrocarbons, carbonates link location outer regions To clarify genesis species, high-sensitivity observations combination with measurements like those presented this paper are needed. Thus, presents piece puzzle water Earth motivation future collaborative observational projects.