Astrobiology
Subtitle: future perspectives
By: edited by Pascale Ehrenfreund ... [et al.].
Contributors: Ehrenfreund, P.; International Space Science Institute.; ISSI Workshop (2003 : Bern, Switzerland)
Series: Astrophysics and space science library ;; v. 305
Publisher: Kluwer Academic Publishers
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Dordrecht; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 512
Subjects: Life -- Origin -- Congresses; Exobiology -- Congresses; Life on other planets -- Congresses
Genres: Congresses.
Other titles: Astrobiology future perspectives
Description: Astrobiology, a new exciting interdisciplinary research field, seeks to unravel the origin and evolution of life wherever it might exist in the Universe. The current view of the origin of life on Earth is that it is strongly connected to the origin and evolution of our planet and, indeed, of the Universe as a whole. We are fortunate to be living in an era where centuries of speculation about the two ancient and fundamental problems: the origin of life and its prevalence in the Universe are being replaced by experimental science. The subject of Astrobiology can be approached from many different perspectives. This book is focused on abiogenic organic matter from the viewpoint of astronomy and planetary science and considers its potential relevance to the origins of life on Earth and elsewhere. Guided by the review papers in this book, the concluding chapter aims to identify key questions to motivate future research and stimulate astrobiological applications of current and future research facilities and space missions. Today’s rich array of new spacecraft, telescopes and dedicated scientists promises a steady flow of discoveries and insights that will ultimately lead us to the answers we seek.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references.
"The International Space Science Team ... organized a workshop at the International Space Science Institute in Bern, Switzerland between April 1-4, 2003 with a title: Astrobiology-Future Perspectives"--Pref.
Table of contents: title: Machine generated contents note:  Preface ix; title: Chapter 1; title: The Synthesis of the Elements and the Formation of Stars 1; title: M.Spaans; title: Chapter 2; title: Organic Molecules in the Interstellar Medium 17; title: T.J.Millar; title: Chapter 3; title: Chemistry of Protoplanetary Disks 33; title: Relation to Primitive Solar System Material; title: A.J.Markwick and S.B.Charnley; title: Chapter 4; title: Planet Formation: Problems and Prospects 67; title: G.Wuchterl; title: Chapter 5; title: From Elemental Carbon to Complex Macromolecular; title: Networks in Space 97; title: F.Cataldo; title: Chapter 6; title: Organic Molecules in Planetary Atmospheres 127; title: M.Roos-Serote; title: Chapter 7; title: Observations and Laboratory Data of Planetary Organics 149; title: T.L.Roush andD.P.Cruikshank; title: Chapter 8; title: The Molecular Complexity of Comets 179; title: J.Crovisier; title: Chapter 9; title: Kuiper belt: Water and Organics 205; title: C.de Bergh; title: Chapter 10; title: Interplanetary Dust Particles and Astrobiology 245; title: F.J.Molster; title: Chapter 11; title: The Prebiotic Atmosphere of the Earth 267; title: F.Selsis; title: Chapter 12; title: Early Life on Earth: The Ancient Fossil Record 287; title: F.Westall; title: Chapter 13; title: Highly Altered Organic Matter on Earth: Biosignature Relevance 317; title: B.A.Hofinann; title: Chapter 14; title: Insoluble Organic Matter in Carbonaceous Chondrites and; title: Archean Cherts 333; title: An Insight into their Structure by Electron Pamagnetic Resonance; title: L.Binet, D.Gourier, A.Skrzypczak, S.Derenne, andF.Robert; title: Chapter 15; title: The Chemistry of the Origin of Life 359; title: O.Botta; title: Chapter 16; title: A Novel Synthesis of Biomolecular Precursors 393; title: R.Saladino, C.Crestini, F.Ciciriello, G.Costanzo, R.Negri,; title: and E.Di Mauro; title: Chapter 17; title: Mars, Europa, and Beyond 415; title: J.D.Rummel <BR><BR>Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Life Origin Congresses, Exobiology Congresses, Life on other planets Congresses.