A5089207934- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Geology and Paleoclimatology Research
- Origins and Evolution of Life
- Astrophysics and Star Formation Studies
- Light effects on plants
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- Microbial Community Ecology and Physiology
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Advanced Chemical Physics Studies
- Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- Atmospheric Ozone and Climate
- Photosynthetic Processes and Mechanisms
- Soil Moisture and Remote Sensing
- Spaceflight effects on biology
- Scientific Computing and Data Management
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Laser-induced spectroscopy and plasma
- High-pressure geophysics and materials
- Nuclear Physics and Applications
Utrecht University
2015-2024
Viking Development Group (Norway)
2019
Max Planck Society
2018
Goddard Space Flight Center
2008-2012
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2010-2012
University of Oslo
2012
University of Manchester
2012
Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research
2012
Leiden University
2002-2006
Leiden Observatory
2002
Abstract The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of atmosphere surface regolith rocks help evaluate past present habitability potential Gale Crater. Central this task development an inventory any molecules elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, long‐term preservation. This will guide future search for biosignatures. Here we report...
Executive Summary Return of samples from the surface Mars has been a goal international science community for many years. Affirmation by NASA and ESA importance exploration led agencies to establish MSR Objectives Samples Team ( iMOST ). The purpose team is re‐evaluate update sample‐related engineering objectives Sample ) campaign. also undertaken define measurements types that can best address objectives. Seven have defined , traceable through two decades previously published priorities....
Abstract— In the framework of international planetary exploration programs, several space missions are planned to search for organics and bio-signatures on Mars. Previous attempts have not detected any organic compounds in Martian regolith. It is therefore critical investigate processes that may affect molecules below planet's surface. Laboratory simulations can provide useful data about reaction pathways material at Mars' We studied stability amino acid thin films against ultraviolet (UV)...
Scientists use the Earth as a tool for astrobiology by analyzing planetary field analogues (i.e. terrestrial samples and sites that resemble bodies in our Solar System). In addition, they expose selected simulation chambers to conditions mimic ones of planets, moons Low Orbit (LEO) space conditions, well chemistry occurring interstellar cometary ices. This paper reviews ways is used astrobiologists: (i) conducting analogue studies investigate extant life from extreme environments, its...
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...
Spectropolarimetry of intact plant leaves allows to probe the molecular architecture vegetation photosynthesis in a non-invasive and non-destructive way and, as such, can offer wealth physiological information. In addition signals due photosynthetic machinery, cell structure its arrangement within leaf create modify polarization signals. Using Mueller matrix polarimetry with rotating retarder modulation, we have visualized spatial variations transmission around chlorophyll absorbance band...
The detection of biomarkers plays a central role in our effort to establish whether there is, or was, life beyond Earth. In this review, we address the importance considering mineralogy relation selection locations and biomarker methodologies with characteristics most promising for exploration. We review relevant mineral-biomarker mineral-microbe interactions. local on particular planet reflects its past current environmental conditions allows habitability assessment by comparison under...
Abstract Executive summary provided in lieu of abstract.
Planetary habitability is driven by interior, surface, and external processes shaping the planet in concerto. To understand planetary our solar system, it crucial to compare these between its planets moons Earth, only we know habitable. The majority of insights system bodies gained through exploration, which turn also way forward grow understanding. Through a new Science Network Netherlands, we are going build on existing expertise Netherlands establish framework develop set key...
Abstract Amorphous solid water (ASW) is found on icy dust grains in the interstellar medium (ISM), as well comets and other objects outer solar system. The optical properties of ASW are thus relevant for many astrophysical environments, but ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), its refractive index not constrained. Here, we introduce a new method based UV–vis broadband interferometry to measure wavelength-dependent n ( λ ) amorphous ice from 10 130 K, i.e., different porosities, wavelength range...
The photochemical evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), an abundant form meteoritic organic carbon, is great interest to early Earth and Mars origin-of-life studies current molecule detection efforts on Mars. Fe-rich clay environments were Mars, may have played a role in prebiotic chemistry, catalyzing the breakdown PAHs freeing up carbon for subsequent chemical complexification. Current clay-rich environments, which are most promising harboring molecules comprised main...
Abstract— We have investigated the native amino acid composition of two analogs Martian soil, JSC Mars‐1 and Salten Skov. A Mars simulation chamber has been built used to expose samples these temperature lighting conditions similar those found at low latitudes on surface. The effects simulated examined using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Exposure energetic ultraviolet (UV) light in vacuum appears cause a modest increase concentration certain acids within materials, which is...
Methane has been reported repeatedly in the martian atmosphere but its origin remains an obstinate mystery.Possible sources include aqueous alteration of igneous rocks, release from ancient deposits methane/water ice clathrates, infall exogenous such as background interplanetary dust, or biological activity.All these are problematic, however.We hypothesise that delivery cometary material includes meteor outbursts, commonly known "meteor showers", may explain methane plumes.Correlations exist...
Photosynthetic eukaryotes show a remarkable variability in photosynthesis, including large differences light harvesting proteins and pigment composition. In vivo circular spectropolarimetry enables us to probe the molecular architecture of photosynthesis non-invasive non-destructive way and, as such, can offer wealth physiological structural information. present study we have measured polarizance several multicellular green, red brown algae higher plants, which variations spectropolarimetric...
Homochirality is a generic and unique property of all biochemical life, the fractional circular polarization light it induces therefore constitutes potentially unambiguous biosignature. However, while high-quality polarimetric spectra can be easily quickly obtained in laboratory, accurate measurements field are much more challenging due to large changes illumination target movement. In this study, we measured various targets field, up distances few kilometers, using dedicated...