Delivery of complex organic compounds from evolved stars to the solar system

Orig Life Evol Biosph. 2011 Dec;41(6):497-502. doi: 10.1007/s11084-011-9254-1. Epub 2011 Dec 3.

Abstract

Stars in the late stages of evolution are able to synthesize complex organic compounds with aromatic and aliphatic structures over very short time scales. These compounds are ejected into the interstellar medium and distributed throughout the Galaxy. The structures of these compounds are similar to the insoluble organic matter found in meteorites. In this paper, we discuss to what extent stellar organics has enriched the primordial Solar System and possibly the early Earth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cosmic Dust
  • Evolution, Chemical*
  • Galaxies
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry*
  • Solar System / chemistry
  • Stars, Celestial / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cosmic Dust
  • Organic Chemicals