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The Astrochemical Observatory: Molecules in the Laboratory and in the Cosmos
Author(s) -
Palazzetti Federico,
Maciel Glauciete S.,
Lombardi Andrea,
Grossi Gaia,
Aquilanti Vincenzo
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the chinese chemical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.329
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 2192-6549
pISSN - 0009-4536
DOI - 10.1002/jccs.201200242
Subject(s) - astrobiology , solar system , extraterrestrial life , planet , meteorite , astrochemistry , abiogenesis , astronomy , chemistry , physics , interstellar medium , galaxy
Astrochemistry is a discipline consolidated recently, although its roots extend back to the dawn of early civilization with the observation and mapping of the sky. The way to the understanding of the common natural laws on earth and in space paved by Galilei's observations by the telescope, has been extended in the last decades, by new technologies such as radioastronomy and space missions. Plenty of new chemistry was surprisingly discovered. Extreme rich information on the chemical “composition” of the universe is being obtained, either from the other planets and satellites in the Solar System, from meteorites and comets, or from the interstellar space. In this article we will present selected topics regarding the chemical structures and reactions being discovered. Particular attention will be devoted to aspects considered as relevant for the prebiotic processes on earth, such as those involving chirality and its role played in the origin and evolution of life.