Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP)

The LAPYUTA mission: Life-environmentology, Astronomy, and PlanetarY Ultraviolet Telescope Assembly

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Abstract: Ultraviolet spectroscopy is one of the most powerful tools to cover a wide range of scientific fields, from planetary science to astronomy. We will introduce a future UV space telescope, LAPYUTA which is selected as a candidate for JAXA’s M-class mission.

Detectability and chemistry of hydrocarbons in interstellar and planetary environments

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Abstract: Hydrocarbons of all sorts and sizes are found throughout the various stages of star and planet formation. For example, from infrared spectroscopic observations we have learned that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in space. The same class of organic molecules are also found in planetary atmospheres, such as that of Saturn’s largest moon Titan. Soon, Europa Clipper mission will be on its way to the icy moon Europa to investigate its (organic) chemical composition.