|
|
The red colors of many small bodies of low albedo in the outer Solar System (planetary satellites, asteroids, Centaurs, comet nuclei, and Kuiper Belt objects) have long been thought to arise from complex organic matter on their surfaces. Proof of this conjecture has been lacking because no specific spectral absorption bands pointing to particular organic materials could be found. The Cassini mission to the Saturn system has afforded the opportunity to study the near-infrared spectra of several of the planet's satellites in greater detail and in spectral regions unavailable from Earth-based observatories. Spectral bands of organic materials are now seen in the low-albedo materials of several of Saturn's satellites, notably the "dark side" of Iapetus. We can now pursue the next levels of detail to get greater insight into the actual organic chemicals present, their origins, and their relationship to organics in meteorites, comet dust, and interplanetary dust particles. This inquiry leads us to the inevitable questions of the role of organic chemicals in space in the origin of life on at least one planet.
Colloquia are usually preceded by coffee and followed by an informal reception (both in room CSS 0254). Anyone interested in having lunch or talking with the speaker should contact either of the colloquium coordinators (see below). The hour immediately after lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Students are urged to contact the coordinator to arrange this.
Request colloquia announcements by e-mail:
coll-request@astro.umd.edu
Colloquium Organizer:
Andrew Wilson (301) 405-1519
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
Parking for visitors is available in the Cashier-Attended Parking Lot at the intersection of Paint Branch & Technology Drive. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Computer & Space Sciences building.
There are a limited number of parking meters in Lot DD; there are no parking meters in Parking Garage 2. Parking at non-metered spaces in Lot DD and PG2 is free after 4 pm and on weekends.
More information is available from the Department of Campus Parking.
Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-2421 Phone: (301) 405-3001 FAX: (301) 314-9067 Comments and questions may be directed to webmaster@astro.umd.edu
This page was automatically generated on:
07-Jan-2008.
|
