ASTROLABORATORY IN ALCOT FOR ASTROBIOLOGY STUDIES

摘要

There are many ways to study material present in space: observation, theory, computational simulation and laboratory works. Since 2001 and astro-laboratory for physical and chemical studies of material in space is building up in Alcoi. Laboratory experiments are crucial in order to simulate targets or situations where it is impossible to carry out direct measurements. But in the Solar System it is possible to do experiments in order to simulate situations as for example seasonal changes in temperature. It is possible also to study chemical changes due to reactions with ions and UV photons irradiations in controlled environments. All of these studies can be analyzed with different techniques and electromagnetic wavelengths. In this contribution we want to offer a bird view of the instrumentation at our laboratory for astrophysical characterization in order to show the possibilities of our laboratory in order to open possible collaborations. Different targets can be emulated in laboratory: gases, liquids or solid material as silicates, carbonaceous material or ices. We understand ices as the solid phase or molecules that are gases or liquids in standard conditions; for example it is possible to produce ices of water, methane, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, etc. With this purpose, a particular sample prepared in the system, to emulate a particular scenario, is called "analog". It is composed by relevant molecules for a particular astronomical scenario as planets, satellites, comets, trans-neptunian objects in our Solar System and in the interstellar medium. Astrochemistry adds another type of solids to our list of analogs: organic molecules. And finally, a new branch has appeared in recent years, astrobiology, based on results that support amino acids could be produced in space. So, the aim of this contribution is to offer a quick look at our capacities so as to show our laboratory possibilities to make possible future collaborations with other groups.