Planetary Systems Laboratory

Laboratory research on comets is focused in the infrared spectral region, where parent volatiles and dust have prominent signatures. Scientists in the Laboratory study the excitation and dynamics of non-thermal emission from cometary comae, and the temporal evolution of comets as they are irradiated by the Sun. The composition and evolution of comets reveals key information on the origin and evolution of the Solar System. Many molecular species seen in comets are pre-biotic, and may have played a role in the origin and evolution of life. This aspect of research in our Laboratory is focused in the Goddard Center for Astrobiology. Astronomical facilities used by scientists in the Laboratory include infrared spectrometers on the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, and the Keck telescope.