How do complex organic molecules form in cold interstellar space, and why isn't their detection proof of extraterrestrial life? We discuss this with astronomer and regular PostNauka contributor Dmitry Vibe.

We explore how scientists detect molecules in space, why chemical reactions are possible at extremely low temperatures, and what compounds have already been discovered in interstellar clouds. We discuss the origin of life, the panspermia hypothesis, asteroid organics, and alternative biochemistry. Is silicon-based life possible, and why isn't the presence of organic compounds proof of the existence of living organisms?

We discuss the search for extraterrestrial life: how exoplanet atmospheres are studied, what are biosignatures, and why the detection of oxygen or methane is not definitive proof of life. We examine the history of K2-18 b, the capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope, and the limitations of modern astrochemical models.

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Timecodes:
00:00 What's this episode about?
02:25 What is astrochemistry?
05:34 How are molecules found in space?
12:42 Interstellar clouds as chemical reactors
16:14 Why is it difficult to detect large molecules?
21:01 AI in the search for interstellar molecules
26:38 How to tame sleep?
27:40 The most complex molecules in space
31:45 Biologically interesting molecules
33:33 Aromatic compounds in space
36:58 Panspermia: life from space?
40:16 Organic does not mean life
41:53 Support our podcast
43:10 Organic and inorganic: what's the difference?
45:36 History of Organic Chemistry
47:25 Alternative Biochemistry
50:26 Is Silicon Life Possible?
54:09 Searching for Life on Exoplanets
56:37 Biosignatures: Oxygen and Methane
58:36 Why a Biosignature Alone Isn't Enough
01:00:18 K2-18 b: Signs of Life?
01:01:27 Future Telescopes and Exoplanets
01:04:30 What's Missing in the Search for Life
01:05:48 Organics from the Asteroids Bennu and Ryugu
01:10:37 How Quickly Did Life Originate on Earth?
01:14:57 How Astrochemical Models Work
01:21:11 Chemical Reactions in Space
01:22:20 Phosphine on Venus and Model Errors
01:26:35 How Discoveries Change the Scientific Picture of the World
01:31:18 What to Read About the Origin of Life
01:33:06 Conclusion

#astrochemistry #space #universe