The inner Solar System exhibits a significant carbon deficit, approximately three orders of magnitude lower compared to the Sun and the interstellar medium. This characteristic has profoundly influenced Earth's internal dynamics and the silicate-carbonate cycle—processes essential for habitability. The question of the universality of carbon deficit remains open and is challenging in evaluating the habitability of planets.
To address this scientific goal, it is necessary to observe the inner disk regions around young stars, in particular in the 3 to 9 µm domain, to access the carbon-carbon resonances of the small population of carbon particles. For this aim, we are proposing a space interferometer to investigate the reservoir of carbon particles that will feed the planet embryos in those inner disk regions where telluric planets should be formed.
Such observations involve a survey which could be performed on an ensemble of 200-300 sources. We are studying a space mission aligned with our scientific ambition. The C4Life project, proposed to ESA, will contribute to advancing our understanding of the conditions necessary for the emergence of life.
| Subject : | : | Poster |
| Topics | : | Future prospects and techniques |
| PDF version | : |  PDF version |
