The role of Raman spectroscopy as an astrobiological tool in the exploration of Mars

Ellery, Alex; Wynn-Williams, David; Parnell, John; Edwards, Howell G.M.; Dickensheets, David. 2004 The role of Raman spectroscopy as an astrobiological tool in the exploration of Mars. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 35 (6). 441-457. 10.1002/jrs.1189

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Abstract/Summary

We describe how the exploration of the Martian environment would be considerably enhanced through the use of Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy is particularly suited for both mineralogical analysis of Martian rock and soil and for the detection of fossilised biota from former Martian microorganisms. We outline astrobiologically relevant features of the Martian environment and issues related to the detection of biotic residues. We further discuss the possibility of the emergence of photosynthetic bacteria on early Mars which may have left fossil evidence. We describe how Raman spectroscopy may be deployed for both astrobiological and mineralogical investigation, particularly in search of pigmented biomolecules, and describe the requirements for a spaceflight-qualified version of a Raman spectrometer for deployment on Mars.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1002/jrs.1189
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Antarctic Science in the Global Context (2000-2005) > Life at the Edge - Stresses and Thresholds
ISSN:	0377-0486
NORA Subject Terms:	Biology and Microbiology Electronics, Engineering and Technology Space Sciences
Date made live:	16 Jan 2012 14:00 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/12159

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