Molecular structure elucidation by atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been demonstrated as a powerful method to gain insights into the structure and formation of matter.
Image Credit: Jurik Peter/Shutterstock.com
Studies of extraterrestrial atmospheres are enhanced with atomic force microscopy – a scanning probe microscope boasting extremely high resolutions, which make it possible to perform advanced particle analysis at the nanoscale.
Experiments by a team of IGM researchers have recently successfully replicated the atmospheric configuration of Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, in laboratory conditions.
Using the relatively new atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique on this gas sample, the scientists were able to perform particle analyses that may provide information about Earth s conditions when life was in its early stages.
What Was on Titan?
Astronomers and geologists have been interested in Saturn’s largest moon for decades. According to scientists, the fog covering the planet in a brownish-orange haze is similar to that which covered Earth 2.8 billion years ago.