Deciphering Origin and Evolution of the Solar System

Terada laboratory is working on deciphering the origin and evolution of the solar system.

Through isotope analysis of materials in the solar system (earth rocks, fossils, lunar samples returned by Apollo and Luna missions, meteorites, etc.), chemical analysis of organic compounds, magnetism/ESR measurements, we are studying and teaching nucleosynthetic process in steller stars, formation process of planetesimals in the solar nebula, core/mantle differentiation process in protoplanets, evolution of atmosphere and ocean, co-evolution of the Earth and life, interstellar dust alignment, elementary process of the physco-chemical phenomena in the planetary surface environment.

In parallel, we are developing a next-generation instrument; high-sensitivity and high-spatial-resolution mass spectrometer (isotope microscope), a non-destructive three-dimensional elemental analysis using a muon beam, solid particle separator for spacecraft installation.