About This Video

Chemical reactions—such as the ones that formed the early building blocks of life, hydrocarbons—don’t usually happen on their own. It takes thermal and chemical potentials, as well as a good kick to get the process started. Astrobiologist Michael Russell explains how the conditions on early Earth were perfect for such reactions, and how a similar setting could exist on other worlds, such as Mars.

Recorded June 2010; Posted April 2011