Organic Matter in the Universe: from solar system to distant galaxies

Complex organics are now commonly found in meteorites, comets, asteroids, planetary satellites, and interplanetary dust particles.  The chemical composition and possible origin of these organics are presented.  Specifically, we discuss the possible link between Solar System organics and the complex organics synthesized by stars during the last phases of stellar evolution.  Implications of extraterrestrial organics on the origin of life on Earth and the possibility of existence of primordial organics on Earth will also be discussed.

References

Kwok, S. The Synthesis of Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Evolved Stars, Nature, 430, 985 (2004)

Kwok, S. and Zhang, Y.  Mixed aromatic/aliphatic organic nanoparticles as carriers of unidentified infrared emission features, Nature, 479, 80 (2011)

Kwok, S. Complex organics in space: from Solar System to distant galaxies, Astronomy & Astrophysics Reviews., 24, 1-27 (2016)

Sun Kwok has served as President of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Commission on Astrobiology (2015-2018), President of IAU Commission on Interstellar Matter (2012-2015) and chairman of IAU Planetary Nebulae Working Group (1994-2001).

Sun Kwok’s published books include The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae (Cambridge, 2000), Cosmic Butterflies (Cambridge, 2001), Physics and Chemistry of the Interstellar Medium (University Science Books, 2007), Organic Matter in the Universe (Wiley, 2011), Stardust: the cosmic seeds of life (Springer 2013) and Our Place in the Universe (Springer, 2017).