NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)

NAI "Workshop Without Walls": The Organic Continuum from the ISM to the Early Solar System

March 11-12, 2010

Organized by:
George Cody (PI, NAI CIW team) and Doug Whittet (PI, NAI RPI team)

An NAI “workshop without walls” will be held on March 11 and 12, 2010 to present cutting edge science on subjects spanning the cosmic evolution of molecular organic complexity, from small molecule formation in interstellar clouds, to organic reactions and inventories in protoplanetary disks, to organic inventories in outer and inner solar system primitive bodies. Speakers will be from the current and former NAI nodes with expertise varying from observational astronomy, mathematical and astrochemical modeling, laboratory astrophysics, meteoritics, comets, and more… The goal is to foster new interdisciplinary collaborations across the community.

This workshop is also a test of how to best use the advanced virtual communications capabilities of NAI to initiate greater cross-team awareness and dialog on a focused research area well represented across the NAI. What we learn from this will inform the greater community.

The workshop is open to all and will be accessible via internet browser—no special software or equipment is required. Please register below to receive connection details.

Workshop topic areas include

• Interstellar Dust and the Organic Inventory of Protostellar Envelopes
• Organic Astrochemistry of Protoplanetary Disks
• Laboratory Studies of analog ISM and outer Solar System Materials
• Organics and Volatiles in Comets
• Organic matter in Interplanetary Dust particles.
• The Organic Inventory in Asteroids and Primitive Meteorites

Agenda

Click here to view the agenda.

Logistics

To accommodate the east coast/west coast time difference, the workshop will run from 10am to 8:15pm EST on March 11, and from 10am to 7pm EST on March 12.

We look forward to a productive conference without registration fees, the hassle of travel, and time away from family by employing the enhanced videoconferencing and web meeting capabilities provided through NAI central.

NOTE for speakers: Workshop presentations must be uploaded prior to the workshop in order to minimize transition time and technical issues. Please upload presentations according to the instructions in the email you have received from Doug Whittet. Powerpoint or pdf format is required. If you have videos embedded in your presentation, please notify Doug.

Connection information

Please fill out the registration form below to receive information on how to connect to the conference. Connection information will be sent via email a few days prior to the workshop.

Registration