Production of Carbonaceous Molecules by the Impact Reaction in Nitrogen Gas by Use of a Gas-Gun

In order to investigate impact production of carbonaceous molecules by asteroid’s impact, simulation experiment is carried out using a 2-stage light gas-gun. A small polycarbonate bullet is injected into a pressurized chamber with 1 atm of nitrogen gas, to collide with a target. Strong emissions of CN and C2 molecules are measured, and CN rotational temperature is evaluated. In the produced soot, production of fullerenes, nanotubes, metal-encapsulated particles, balloon-like nano-carbons and amino acids is confirmed.