The Science Being Done at The Astrochemistry Laboratory

Here at the Astrochemistry Lab at NASA's Ames Research Center we study the chemistry of astronomical objects within our Solar System and beyond. We are interested in ices and organic compounds that exist in interstellar space and on bodies like comets, asteroids, and moons within our own Solar System. We are particularly interested in exploring the links that may exist between interstellar chemistry and the molecules that may have played important roles in the formation of life on Earth. We would like you to stay a while and read more about what we do and why we do it.

Organics in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium

Ices and Microdiamonds in Dense Interstellar Molecular Clouds and Comets

The Production of Prebiotic Organics in Space

The so-called "unidentified" infrared emission features

Diffuse Interstellar Bands (DIBs) and PAHs

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their cations

The Identification of Molecules in the Ices on Planetary Satellites

Some Implications of this Work for the Origin of Life


Go to the Astrochemistry Home PageGo to the SETI InstituteGo to the NASA Astrobiology InstituteGo to the Ames Space Science DivisionGo to the NASA Ames Research CenterGo to NASA

Do you have any questions about this web site? Feel free to contact us.