Chemical evolution of organic molecules under Mars-like UV radiation conditions simulated in the laboratory with the MOMIE setup

International audienceThe search for organic carbon at the surface of Mars, as clues of past habitability or remnants of life, is a major science goal of Mars' exploration. Understanding the chemical evolution of organic molecules under current Martian environmental conditions is essential to support the past, present and future analyses performed in situ. What molecule can be preserved? What is the timescale of organic evolution at the surface? Here we present laboratory work addressing these questions.