Molecular evolution of nitrogen containing organic compounds in meteorites (B02)

• Subject Area: Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 521256690

The presence, chemical dynamics, and stability of carbon-based chemistry in meteoritic material provide valuable information about the history of extraterrestrial sources, essential for prebiotic chemistries on Earth. We will analyze thermal transformations and water alteration of organic compounds in carefully selected meteorites, examining volatile and soluble organics, as well as residues under varying atmospheres. Additionally, meteorites and their thermal residues will be analyzed up to 1000°C using TGA/MSEGA and subjected to extreme temperature stresses in a plasma wind tunnel to simulate high surface temperatures during atmospheric entry and melting of extraterrestrial materials. These experiments will describe the dynamics of a wide range of chemical compounds, focusing on nitrogen compounds.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 392: Molecular evolution in prebiotic environments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin, since 1/2024