Life Detection Technologies
An exobiology package should carry: a microscope for general examination of the samples at a
resolution of 3µm (plus a close-up camera with 50µm resolution); an
infrared Raman spectroscope for identifying mineral and organic
molecules, with near-IR excitation for biological and geochemical
studies; an alpha-proton-X-ray spectrometer for identifying chemical
elements; a Mossbauer spectrometer for measuring iron composition and
oxidation states; a pyrolitic gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer
for isotopic, elemental, organic and inorganic molecular composition,
and chirality measurements; sensors for hydrogen peroxide and other
oxidants.
Scientists have not invented a universal life detection machine, primarily because we do not have a universal definition of life. On Earth, we have many systems for detecting even minute amounts of life, but they depend on the specific chemistry of terrestrial life (for example the presence of DNA or RNA). We have no reason to assume that these techniques would detect alien life. One general approach is to look for evidence of chemical disequilibrium as a signature of life, since life on Earth is able to change the chemistry of its surroundings and of the atmosphere itself in ways that are not possible without organic activity. Many astrobiologists are working on this challenge, but we are probably still long way from developing a real life detection machine.
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