Formation of organic compounds from simulated Titan atmosphere

Abstract

A Mixture of methane (1%) and nitrogen (99%) was subjected to proton irradiation (PI), gamma irradiation (GI), UV irradiation (UV) or spark discharges (SD), and the products were analyzed to compare possible energy sources in Titan. SD mainly gave unsaturated hydrocarbons, while PI gave saturated hydrocarbons. N-containing organics were detected in PI, GI and SD, but not in UV. The formers yielded amino acids after acid-hydrolysis of solid phase products (tholin). Comparison of the present results with those by Cassini-Heygens mission will make it possible to prove major energy source in Titan.