2-aminooxazole (2AO), a N-heterocyclic molecule, has been proposed as an intermediate in prebiotic syntheses. It has been demonstrated that it can be synthesized from small molecules such as cyanamide and […]
astro-ph.IM
Posted inSETI & Technosignatures
The Copernican Principle Rules Out BLC1 as a Technological Radio Signal from the Alpha Centauri System
Without evidence for occupying a special time or location, we should not assume that we inhabit privileged circumstances in the Universe. As a result, within the context of all Earth-like […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: Design Of The Life Signature Detection Polarimeter LSDpol
Many biologically produced chiral molecules such as amino acids and sugars show a preference for left or right handedness (homochirality). Light reflected by biological materials such as algae and leaves […]
Posted inAstronomy & Telescopes
Origins Space Telescope: From First Light to Life: ESA Voyage 2050 White Paper
The Origins Space Telescope (Origins) is one of four science and technology definition studies selected by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in preparation of the 2020 Astronomy and Astrophysics […]
Posted inAstrochemistry
INFRA-ICE: An Ultra-high Vacuum Experimental Station For Laboratory Astrochemistry
Laboratory astrochemistry aims at simulating in the laboratory some of the chemical and physical processes that operate in different regions of the Universe. Amongst the diverse astrochemical problems that can […]
Posted inAstrochemistry
A Non-energetic Mechanism For Glycine Formation In The Interstellar Medium
The detection of the amino acid glycine and its amine precursor methylamine on the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko by the Rosetta mission provides strong evidence for a cosmic origin of prebiotics on […]
Posted inSocietal Issues
Ethical Exploration And The Role Of Planetary Protection In Disrupting Colonial Practices
We recommend that the planetary science and space exploration community engage in a robust reevaluation concerning the ethics of how future crewed and uncrewed missions to the Moon and Mars […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Press Release
Physically Constrained Causal Noise Models For High-contrast Imaging Of Exoplanets
The detection of exoplanets in high-contrast imaging (HCI) data hinges on post-processing methods to remove spurious light from the host star. So far, existing methods for this task hardly utilize […]
Posted inPress Release, SETI & Technosignatures
Lunar Opportunities for SETI
A radio telescope placed in lunar orbit, or on the surface of the Moon’s farside, could be of great value to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The advantage of […]
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Venus
Feasibility Analysis and Preliminary Design of ChipSat Entry for In-situ Investigation of the Atmosphere of Venus
Recent miniaturization of electronics in very small, low-cost and low-power configurations suitable for use in spacecraft have inspired innovative small-scale satellite concepts, such as ChipSats, centimeter-scale satellites with a mass […]