Organic matter in space: proceedings of the 251st Symposium of the International Astronomical Union held in Hong Kong, China, February 18-22, 2008

Abstract

'Our knowledge of the origin, evolution, nature, and distribution of organic matter in space has undergone a revolution in recent years. Insights into various aspects of this material can be found using a variety of differenttechnical approaches. These range from telescopic measurements by observational astronomers over a wide range of wavelengths, to laboratory experiments and simulations by chemists, physicists, and spectroscopists, and analyses of actual extraterrestrial materials. IAU Symposium 251 brought together expertise of scientists from different disciplines, including observational astronomers, laboratory spectroscopists, and solar system scientists, to provide a synthesis of our current understanding of these organics and to identify areas in which additional work and new ideas are required to further our understanding.'--BOOK JACKET