Investigating the Role of Organic Haze Deposition for Prebiotic Chemistry

Hazy exoplanets offer a unique window into prebiotic chemistry, where organic haze particles may play a pivotal role in the origins of life. Despite their importance, the spatial and temporal deposition patterns of haze organics remain poorly understood. These hazes, generally composed of methane (CH₄), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), influence planetary systems by driving climate dynamics, altering atmospheric temperature structures, and impacting radiative balance through light scattering and absorption. Over time, these particles settle on planetary surfaces, delivering essential organic compounds that catalyze prebiotic chemical pathways and potentially life’s emergence.

This project employs a combination of a 3D GCM called ExoPlaSim, along with experimental instruments, UHPLC/Orbitrap-MS and pyrolysis GC/MS, to study haze dynamics and surface interactions. Enabling a comprehensive analysis of organic deposition patterns. While providing detailed spatial-temporal predictions of haze attributes under diverse planetary conditions, directly informing UHPLC/Orbitrap-MS and pyrolysis GC/MS experiments. By testing prebiotic chemical pathways, such as the evolution of life's building blocks from organic haze in different pond geo-chemistries, we aim to establish how haze contributes to prebiotic environments.

Advisors: Dr. Stephanie Olson and Dr. Ben Pearce