Using Photochemistry Experiments to Study the Atmospheres of Other Worlds

Abstract:

Chemistry initiated by stellar photons impacts the composition of worlds both within the solar system and around other stars through the destruction of the main constituents and generation of trace gases. In some atmospheres this chemistry continues resulting in the conversion of gases to particles, which can impact how and which stellar photons move through the atmosphere. Radiative transfer helps determine not only chemistry but also the temperature structure of an atmosphere and atmospheric dynamics. Thus, photochemistry plays a key role in atmospheric (and sometimes) processes and accordingly can impact the habitability of a world. Unfortunately, our understanding of these processes for non-Earth worlds is very limited as many of the observations and model parameters are incomplete. Laboratory experiments therefore play a key role in improving our understanding of photochemistry in the atmospheres of other worlds. Here I’ll discuss as series of planetary atmosphere simulation experiments aimed at improving our understanding atmospheric chemistry of solar system planets, such as Titan, Pluto, and the early Earth and extrasolar planets.