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, and electricity. Particularly in multi-dwelling buildings freedom from noxious smells, noise and garbage are included in the standard. 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 published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (www.liebertpub.com). In a paper entitled "Remote Sensing of Planetary Properties and Biosignatures on Extrasolar Terrestrial Planets terrestrial planet, the earth or a planet that resembles the earth in its physical characteristics. The terrestrial planets in the solar system are the earth, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. These planets are approximately the same size, with the earth the largest. They are considerably denser than the Jovian planets, ranging from a specific gravity of 4 for Mars to 5.5 for the earth.," Des Marais Marais (märā`) [Fr.,=swamp], old quarter of Paris, on the right bank of the Seine. Until the 18th cent. it was the most aristocratic section of Paris. The Hôtel des Tournelles, long the residence of the kings of France (Henry II was killed in its court during a joust), was replaced with the Place des Vosges. et al. report the results of a study using spectroscopic techniques to discover and explore new planets capable of supporting life--a goal of NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder 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), James F. Kasting, Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State University), Douglas N.C. Lin, Ph.D. (University of California, Santa Cruz), Jonathan I. Lunine, Ph.D. and Neville J. Woolf, Ph.D. (University of Arizona), Jean Schneider, Ph.D. (Observatoire de Paris,), and Sara Seager, Ph.D. (Institute for Advanced Study Institute for Advanced Study, at Princeton, N.J.; chartered 1930, opened 1933. It differs from a university in that it offers no curriculum or examinations, and confers no degrees. Founded with a gift from Louis Bamberger and Mrs. Felix Fuld as a center for graduate study, it subsequently became a research center for advanced study in mathematics and the natural and social sciences. One of its first members was Albert Einstein., 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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