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The effects of ultraviolet light on the degradation of organic compounds - A possible explanation for the absence of organic matter on MarsThe analysis of the top layer of the Martian regolith at the two Viking landing sites did not reveal any indigenous organic compounds. However, the existence of such compounds at deeper layers cannot be ruled out. Cosmochemical considerations indicate various potential sources for organic matter on Mars, such as comets and meteorites. The study tested the stability of a sample of the Murchison meteorite and various organic substances which have been detected in carbonaceous chondrites, such as glycine, adenine and naphthalene, to the action of ultraviolet light. The compounds were adsorbed on powdered quartz and on California desert soil and were irradiated in the presence or absence of oxygen. The organic content, before and after irradiation, was measured by carbon elementary analysis, UV-absorption, amino acid analysis or pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In the absence of oxygen, adenine and glycine appear to be stable over the given part of irradiation. A definite degradation was noticed in the case of naphtalene and the Murchison meteorite. In the presence of oxygen in amounts comparable to those on Mars all compounds were degraded. The degree of degradation was influenced by the irradiation time, temperature and oxygen content.
Document ID
19790057693
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Oro, J.
(Houston Univ. TX, United States)
Holzer, G.
(Houston, University Houston, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1979
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
79A41706
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS1-9685
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-005-002
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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