International Journal of Astrobiology

Table of Contents - 2005 - Volume 4, Issue 3-4  


Recognizing life in the Solar System: guidance from meteoritic organic matter

Mark A. Sephton a1 and Oliver Botta a2
a1 Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ e-mail: m.a.sephton@imperial.ac.uk
a2 GEST NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 699, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, USA

Article author query
sephton ma   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 
botta o   [PubMed][Google Scholar] 

Abstract

In the next decade, numerous space missions will attempt to detect organic matter on planets and other objects in the Solar System. Recognizing carbon-based life or its remains will be a fundamental goal of future missions. In preparation, studies of organic matter in meteorites are enabling scientists how to discriminate between biogenic and abiogenic materials.

(Published Online February 7 2006)
(Received October 27 2005)
(Accepted September 9 2005)


Key Words: meteorites; molecules; organic matter; origin of life; space missions.