Remote sensing of chiral signatures on Mars

W. Sparks, J.H. Hough, T.A. Germer, F. Robb, L. Kolokolova

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)
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Abstract

We describe circular polarization as a remote sensing diagnostic of chiral signatures which may be applied to Mars. The remarkable phenomenon of homochirality provides a unique biosignature which can be amenable to remote sensing through circular polarization spectroscopy. The natural tendency of microbes to congregate in close knit communities would be beneficial for such a survey. Observations of selected areas of the Mars surface could reveal chiral signatures and hence explore the possibility of extant or preserved biological material. We describe a new instrumental technique that may enable observations of this form
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-115
Number of pages5
JournalPlanetary and Space Science
Volume72
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2012

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