Formation of organic compounds from simulated Titan atmosphere: perspectives of the Cassini mission
Koike, T.; Kaneko, T.; Kobayashi, K.; Miyakawa, S.; Takano, Y.
Uchu Seibutsu Kagaku 17(3): 188-189
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0914-9201 PMID: 14676367 Document Number: 555717
Gas mixtures of methane and nitrogen were subjected to proton irradiation (PI), gamma irradiation (GI), UV irradiation (UV) or spark discharges (SD), and the products were analyzed to compare possible energy sources for synthesis of organics in Titan. SD mainly gave unsaturated hydrocarbons, while PI gave saturated hydrocarbons. N-containing organics were detected in PI, GI and SD, but not in UV. The formers yielded amino acids after acid-hydrolysis of solid phase products (tholin). Comparison of the present results with those by Cassini-Huygens [correction of Heygens] mission will make it possible to prove major energy sources for organic synthesis in Titan atmosphere.