Closing gaps to our origins

Abstract This article reproduces the contents of White Paper entitled by same name submitted to call issued European Space Agency soliciting ideas from scientific community for science themes that should be covered during Voyage 2050 planning cycle. contribution focus in investigation emergence life and role astronomy has play it. Three fundamental areas activity are identified: [1] measuring chemical enrichment Universe, [2] investigating planet formation searching exoplanets with signatures and, [3] determining abundance amino acids routes acid protein growth astronomical bodies. proposal deals first two. The building blocks Universe began as primordial gas processed stars mixed at galactic scales. mechanisms responsible this development not well-understood have changed over intervening 13 billion years. To follow evolution matter cosmic time, it is necessary study strongest (resonance) transitions most abundant species Universe. Most them ultraviolet (UV; 950 Å - 3000 ) spectral range unobservable ground; “missing” metals problem cannot addressed without access. Habitable planets grow protostellar discs under irradiation, a by-product accretion process drives physical young planetary systems. electronic molecules pumped UV field main oxidizing agent disc chemistry provides unique diagnostics planet-forming environment accessed ground. Knowledge variability radiation required astrochemical modelling protoplanetary discs, understand atmospheres photochemistry precursors life. Earth’s atmosphere constant interaction interplanetary medium solar field. exosphere Earth extends up 35 radii providing an amazing wealth information on our planet’s winds atmospheric compounds. access other systems, observation resonance required. calls large facilities, including instrumentation optical wavelengths. In contribution, need develop observatory revealed, order complete goals investigate origin life, inaccessible through frequencies electromagnetic spectrum.