Ozone formation in icy mantles

Sivaraman, Bhalamurugan (2009). Ozone formation in icy mantles. PhD thesis The Open University.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21954/ou.ro.0000ed27

Abstract

In this thesis the results of a detailed experimental study of the chemistry induced by irradiation of ice maniies by electrons and ions are presented. This research is directed towards gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms by which molecules are Synthesised in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and lunar surfaces. Several experiments explored the formation of ozone in such ice mantles, since the ozone in any planetary or lunar atmosphere has been suggested as biomarker in die search for life. However recent space missions have revealed ozone on several Saturnian moons and Jupiter's Ganymede. In this thesis we show that ozone is readily produced abiotically by irradiation of oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and nitrogen dioxide ices. These results have important implications for the use of ozone as a biomarker in the search for life on extraterrestrial planets.

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