Organics on Mars?

• DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0498
• Publication Date: 2010-08-24T18:42:37Z
• Authors: Inge L. ten Kate
• Keywords: Martian soil; Atmosphere of Mars; Volatilisation

Organics are expected to exist on Mars based meteorite infall, in situ production, and any possible biological sources. Yet they have not been detected the martian surface; there, or we capable enough detect them? The Viking gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer did organics headspace of heated soil samples with a detection limit parts per billion. This null result strongly influenced interpretation reactivity seen biology experiments led conclusion that life was present and, instead, there some chemical soil. perchlorates by instruments Phoenix lander reports methane atmosphere suggest it may be time reconsider question organics. high-temperature oxidizing properties perchlorate will promote combustion pyrolytic affected ability both Phoenix's organic analysis experiment mass So remains open. A primary focus upcoming Science Laboratory identification molecules means thermal volatilization, followed chromatography-mass spectrometry--as done Viking. However, enhance detectability, processed liquid derivatization agents dissolve from before pyrolysis, which separate them perchlorates. Nonetheless, problem is solved, for future missions other techniques should therefore considered as well.