Distinguishing the chiral signature of life in the solar system and beyond

Alexandra J. MacDermott

doi:10.1117/12.278811

11 July 1997 Distinguishing the chiral signature of life in the solar system and beyond

Alexandra J. MacDermott

Proceedings Volume 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278811
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Homochirality is a characteristic signature of life or at the very least pre-biotic chemistry, and we explain how biotic and pre-biotic homochirality can be distinguished. We discuss the implications of the recent discovery of an enantiomeric excess in the Murchison meteorite. We describe how a combination of gas-chromatography and polarimetry could be used to detect life on mars, and introduce new vistas for space polarimetry in our proposed Search for EXtra-SOlar Homochirality (SEXSOH).

Citation Download Citation

Alexandra J. MacDermott "Distinguishing the chiral signature of life in the solar system and beyond", Proc. SPIE 3111, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for the Investigation of Extraterrestrial Microorganisms, (11 July 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278811

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available