Search for Life on Planets Outside Our Solar System is Possible Using Remote Sensing Techniques, According to a Study Published in Astrobiology.Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K LARCHMONT, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2002 Scientists may be able to identify habitable habitable adj. referring to a residence that is safe and can be occupied in reasonable comfort. Although standards vary by region, the premises should be closed in against the weather, provide running water, access to decent toilets and bathing facilities, heating, conditions and evidence of life on planets outside our solar system using spectroscopic analysis, according to a paper published in the Summer 2002 (Volume 2, Number 2) issue of Astrobiology astrobiology: see exobiology. , a peer-reviewed journal peer-reviewed journal Refereed journal Academia A professional journal that only publishes articles subjected to a rigorous peer validity review process. Cf Throwaway journal. published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (www.liebertpub.com). In a paper entitled "Remote Sensing of Planetary Properties and Biosignatures on Extrasolar ex·tra·so·lar adj. Being or originating outside the solar system an extrasolar planet. Terrestrial Planets," Des Marais et al. report the results of a study using spectroscopic spec·tro·scope n. An instrument for producing and observing spectra. spec  tro·scop techniques to discover and explore new planets capable of supporting life--a goal of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) is a plan by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration of the United States for a telescope system that will be capable of detecting extrasolar terrestrial planets. and the European Space Agency's Darwin missions. The paper may be viewed free online at www.liebertpub.com/AST. "We present a realistic strategy whereby astronomers could discover spectroscopic evidence of habitable environments and life," says author David Des Marais. "The spectroscopic features identified will help to define the architectures of the next great orbital observatories." Spectroscopy is a technique for analyzing the chemical composition and properties of biological compounds. Using remote sensing, researchers are able to detect spectral signatures of biological products on extrasolar planets. These "biosignatures" can provide evidence that the atmospheres and environments on these planets may be able to support life. The authors used known spectroscopic features of Earth, Venus, and Mars to determine spectral wavelengths and features useful for estimating planetary size and mass and for detecting and quantifying oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water levels on extrasolar planets--all indicators of habitable atmospheric and environmental conditions. "This study required the close cooperation of biologists, astronomers, physicists and planetary scientists. Interdisciplinary teamwork such as this is the keystone for research in astrobiology," says Des Marais. The authors are David J. Des Marais, Ph.D. (Ames Research Center), Martin O. Harwit, Ph.D. (Cornell University), Kenneth W. Jucks, Ph.D. and Wesley A. Traub, Ph.D. (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It consists of the Harvard College Observatory and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. The Center is located at 60 Garden Street. ), James F. Kasting, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University Pennsylvania State University, main campus at University Park, State College; land-grant and state supported; coeducational; chartered 1855, opened 1859 as Farmers' High School. ), Douglas N.C. Lin, Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Cruz The University of California, Santa Cruz, also known as UC Santa Cruz or UCSC, is a public, collegiate university, one of the ten campuses of the University of California. ), Jonathan I. Lunine, Ph.D. and Neville J. Woolf, Ph.D. (University of Arizona (body, education) University of Arizona - The University was founded in 1885 as a Land Grant institution with a three-fold mission of teaching, research and public service. ), Jean Schneider, Ph.D. (Observatoire de Paris,), and Sara Seager, Ph.D. (Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ). Astrobiology is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published both in print and online. Edited by Sherry L. Cady, Ph.D., Department of Geology, Portland State University, the journal provides a forum for scientists seeking to advance our understanding of life's origins, evolution, distribution and destiny in the universe. A complete table of contents and a free sample issue may be viewed online at www.liebertpub.com/AST. Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., is a privately-held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 60 journals, books, and newsletters is available at www.liebertpub.com. |
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