paper

Remote Sensing of Chiral Signatures on Mars

arXiv:1209.0671 · doi:10.1016/j.pss.2012.08.010

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.

14 pages, 3 figures; to be published in Planetary and Space Science

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