UV astronomy and the investigation of the origin of life

Abstract

The astronomical community is devoting an enormous effort to detect environments where life may have emerged in space and seeks for evidence of that. The ultraviolet (UV) spectrum carries crucial information for this research. Moreover, the actual knowledge of the UV radiation field is instrumental for the interpretation of data (obtained at any wavelength) related with magnetic activity, photon driven heating, and astrochemistry. These are the issues addressed in this chapter. First, the main effects of UV radiation on matter within the context of astrobiological research are addressed. Then, the UV observations of forming planetary systems and exoplanets are described as well as, the on-going research to detect biosignatures and amino acids in space. Finally, we outline the UV observations relevant for the investigation of the processes involved in the formation and spread of the key atomic elements in biomolecules. The work concludes with a short list of requirements for future UV missions.