Possible formation of complex organic compounds in lower atmosphere of Titan by cosmic rays

Abstract

Titan, the largest satellite of Saturn, has dense atmosphere composed of nitrogen and methane. Complex organic compounds were also observed in Titan atmosphere. There have been many experiments simulating reactions in Titan atmosphere, but most of them simulated the upper atmosphere of Titan. We here simulated the cosmic rays-induced reactions in the lower atmosphere of Titan by using high energy protons. Complex organic compounds containing amino acid precursors were detected.