Читать книгу Astrobiology - Charles S. Cockell - Страница 67

In this chapter, we explored the basic structure of matter relevant to astrobiology. We investigated the five major bonding types in matter. In each of these cases, we assessed the role of these bonding types in life with some examples. We saw how matter can be described in different states. By using simple phase diagrams, we can explain a variety of features of the physical characteristics of extraterrestrial environments and the conditions for life. We looked at some unusual states of matter, which although not part of living things certainly are an important part of the Universe and have consequences for the astronomical environment in which life resides. Finally, we investigated the principles of spectroscopy and how light interacts with matter in ways that are useful for scientists seeking to investigate the properties of gases in distant stars or planets. Equipped with this knowledge, we can now investigate how atoms and molecules are put together to make the basic molecules of life.