Apparatus “Phil” found on the comet 67P organic compounds – Interfax

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After a more detailed analysis of the detected substances scientists will be able to answer the question about the origin of life on Earth

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Moscow. November, 18th. INTERFAX.RU – Research Robot “Phil” found on the surface of the comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko organic molecules that could be involved in the origin of life, said Tuesday the newspaper The Wall Street Journal referring to the German agency participating in the study.

One of the sensors “Fila” discovered molecule after analyzing the atmosphere of the comet. Some of them contain carbon atoms, without which no life is possible.

Scientists analyze data to understand the composition of the compounds. They can be very simple (such as methane and methanol) or complicated (such as amino acids that make up proteins).

In addition, the unit spent drilling the surface of the comet to analyze its soil. However, these data have yet to be fully analyzed.

Comets are of great interest to scientists because they contain a relic of the solar system material, subjected to the smallest change since its inception (about 4.5 billion years ago). Analysis of the composition of the comet can answer the question of whether life on Earth is the introduced or arose independently?

Thanks to the machine “Phil” for the first time, researchers were able to simultaneously analyze the chemical composition of the atmosphere of the comet and its nucleus. Also have the opportunity to compare the data “Fila” and the unit “Rosetta”, which revolves in its orbit around the comet.

November 12, after a decade of flight “Rosetta” delivered “Phil” to comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Research robot worked on the surface of the kernel just over two days and disconnected last Saturday. Because of the failure of the landing site “Phil” was in the shadow of the cliff, and its batteries do not get enough sunlight. Before disconnecting the unit managed to convey to the Earth all the information gathered. Scientists hope to resume the device, when the comet approaches the sun. Nevertheless, it is likely that “Phil” will not stand high temperatures.