Remote Sensing of Chiral Signatures on Mars

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential of using circular polarization spectroscopy as a remote sensing method to detect chiral biosignatures on Mars, which could indicate the presence of life.

Contribution

It introduces a novel instrumental technique for observing chiral signatures on Mars through circular polarization spectroscopy.

Findings

Circular polarization can serve as a biosignature for life detection.

Microbial communities may enhance the detectability of chiral signatures.

A new instrumental method is proposed for remote sensing of biological signatures.

Abstract

We describe circular polarization as a remote sensing diagnostic of chiral signatures which may be applied to Mars. The remarkable phenomenon of homochirality provides a unique biosignature which can be amenable to remote sensing through circular polarization spectroscopy. The natural tendency of microbes to congregate in close knit communities would be beneficial for such a survey. Observations of selected areas of the Mars surface could reveal chiral signatures and hence explore the possibility of extant or preserved biological material. We describe a new instrumental technique that may enable observations of this form.