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The Search for Life on MarsFor centuries, the planet Mars has been regarded as a possible abode for life. Serious searches for the signatures of life began in the 19th century, and continue via telescopic investigations and landed missions. While early work focused on phenomenology and bordered on fantasy, modern scientific inquiry has emphasized the search for chemical signatures of life in the soil and rocks at the planet's surface, and the search for biomarker gases in the atmosphere. Living systems produce more than 90% of Earth's atmospheric methane; the balance is of geochemical origin. The discovery of methane on Mars will be described, along with the ongoing extended search for clues to its origins. The possible origins of Mars methane will be discussed in the context of terrestrial analogue sites where geologic and biologic methane production now occurs - ranging from sub-permafrost zones in the arctic to hydrothermal vents in the deep ocean. Terrestrial organisms that could prosper on Mars today will be mentioned. I will briefly touch upon experiments conducted by landed spacecraft, ranging from the Viking Life Science Experiments in 1976 to the impending Mars Science laboratory, and the Trace Gas Orbiter and ExoMars missions now being developed for flight in the coming decade.
Document ID
20120003707
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Mumma, Michael J.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
January 8, 2012
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.ABS.5801.2011
Meeting Information
Meeting: Origin of Life Gordon Research Conference
Location: Galveston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: January 8, 2012
End Date: January 13, 2012
Sponsors: Gordon Research Conferences, Inc.
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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