The detection of certain trace gases in the atmosphere of Mars would indicate the presence of microbial life on the surface. Candidate biogenic gases include CH4, NH3, N2O, and several reduced sulfur species. Chemical thermodynamic equilibrium and photochemical calculations preclude the presence of these gases in any measurable concentrations in the atmosphere of Mars in the absence of biogenic production. A search for these gases utilizing either high-resolution (spectral and spatial) spectroscopy from a Mars orbiter, such as the Mars Observer orbiter, and/or in situ measurements from a Mars lander or rover is proposed.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Trace gases in the atmosphere of Mars - An indicator of microbial life



    Publication date :

    1989-01-01


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    A search for biogenic trace gases in the atmosphere of Mars

    Levine, Joel S. / Mckay, Christopher P. | NTRS | 1989


    Monitoring Trace Gases in the Atmosphere

    Webster, C. R. / Grant, W. B. | NTRS | 1985


    Assessment of a 2016 Mission Concept: The Search for Trace Gases in the Atmosphere of Mars

    Zurek, Richard W. / Chicarro, Augustin / Allen, Mark A. et al. | NTRS | 2011


    Mars - Upper atmosphere.

    Gross, S. H. / Mcgovern, W. E. / Rasool, S. I. | NTRS | 1966


    Atmosphere of Mars.

    Johnson, F. S. | NTRS | 1965