Biology
Scientific paper
Jul 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000came.work...82c&link_type=abstract
Concepts and Approaches for Mars Exploration, p. 82
Biology
Extraterrestrial Life, Molecular Structure, Life Detectors, Electrophoresis, Exobiology, Spectral Signatures
Scientific paper
Here we discuss an approach to remotely detecting extraterrestrial life forms on other planets or their moons by detection of specific types of organic molecules. The life entities to be detected would be presently active life forms, or those that are only recently dormant. The only place beside Earth's moon where humans have actually examined surface soils for the presence of organic molecules is Mars. This was accomplished using mass-spectrometry during the Viking mission, and results were negative. The lack of organic moieties, if they ever were present, probably resulted form their destruction over geologic time frames by the extraordinarily reactive surface soils found there. Thus, on Mars, detection of organic signatures of life probably would be possible only in subsurface soils, or perhaps in polar regions.
Allenbach Lisa
Anderson Travis J.
Barnes Bruce
Cheng Francis I.
Corti Gloria
No associations
LandOfFree
Describing and Measuring the Chemical Signatures of Life does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Describing and Measuring the Chemical Signatures of Life, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Describing and Measuring the Chemical Signatures of Life will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1718242