Understanding the chemistry and evolution of planets and their atmospheres: Integrating experiments, observations, and quantum mechanical models

The proposed international collaborative study seeks to improve our understanding of the chemistry and evolution of planetary atmospheres by integrating laboratory measurements, quantum-mechanical molecular modelling, ground- and space-based observations, and atmospheric modelling to study Venus, Titan, and circumstellar discs. The atmospheric modelling will be supported by data from the Keck II telescope and the Venus Express and Cassini spacecraft, calculations using innovative quantum-mechanical models, and a program of laser-based molecular spectroscopy. Expected results include a greater understanding of the evolution of planetary atmospheres, including the problematic area of isotopic fractionation.