Unravelling the composition of astrophysical surfaces thanks to laboratory experiments

Séminaire IPAG de Olivier Poch (IPAG), jeudi 3 septembre 2020, 11h00, IPAG seminar room

The surfaces of Solar System objects are extensively observed at visible and infrared wavelengths by ground-based and space instruments, in order to understand their origins and evolutions.

These surfaces are made of various constituents (ices, salts, minerals, organic molecules) mixed and structured in very peculiar ways, making the interpretation of their observations difficult.

In order to correctly prepare, guide and interpret these observations, I develop experimental simulations enabling the production of realistic astrophysical surfaces in the laboratory.

I will present recent results and perspectives of these works related to the composition of comets and asteroids, the exploration of icy satellites of the giant planets, and the search for biosignatures.