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Vibrational Spectroscopy and AstrobiologyRole of vibrational spectroscopy in solving problems related to astrobiology will be discussed. Vibrational (infrared) spectroscopy is a very sensitive tool for identifying molecules. Theoretical approach used in this work is based on direct computation of anharmonic vibrational frequencies and intensities from electronic structure codes. One of the applications of this computational technique is possible identification of biological building blocks (amino acids, small peptides, DNA bases) in the interstellar medium (ISM). Identifying small biological molecules in the ISM is very important from the point of view of origin of life. Hybrid (quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics) theoretical techniques will be discussed that may allow to obtain accurate vibrational spectra of biomolecular building blocks and to create a database of spectroscopic signatures that can assist observations of these molecules in space. Another application of the direct computational spectroscopy technique is to help to design and analyze experimental observations of ice surfaces of one of the Jupiter's moons, Europa, that possibly contains hydrated salts. The presence of hydrated salts on the surface can be an indication of a subsurface ocean and the possible existence of life forms inhabiting such an ocean.
Document ID
20020039845
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Chaban, Galina M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Kwak, D.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2001
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 274-50-00-06
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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