Astrophysics & Astrochemistry Laboratory
The Astrophysics and Astrochemistry Laboratory is located in the Space Sciences and Astrophysics Branch (SSA) of the Space Science and Astrobiology Division at NASA’s Ames Research Center, in Mountain View, California. This laboratory supports NASAs space science missions and programs.They study the physical and chemical properties of interstellar, cometary, asteroidal, planetary and lunar materials. Among the materials studied are interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs, the largest carbon molecules in space), aerosols in planetary atmospheres, ice mantles on interstellar grains and surface ices on comets and on solar system planets, and laboratory samples of actual extraterrestrial materials (meteorites and cosmic dust).
Here at the Astrophysics and Astrochemistry Lab at NASA’s Ames Research Center we study the chemistry of astronomical objects within their Solar System and beyond. They are interested in ices and organic compounds that exist in interstellar space and on bodies like comets, asteroids, and moons within their own Solar System. They are particularly interested in exploring the links that may exist between interstellar chemistry and the molecules that may have played important roles in the formation of life on Earth. Their goals are to provide: quantitative information for interpreting observations from ground-, air-, and space-based observatories,to guide instrument development for future missions, including small-satellite missions,to understand the connections between extraterrestrial materials and the processes that form and modify them and to help improve existing astrophysical models.
For more information, please visit http://www.astrochemistry.org