The Contribution of Chemistry in the Search for Extraterrestrial Habitable Environments - 12 Mar 2013

12 March 2013, TAS

Water is the fundamental substance for life as we know it. In search for life beyond Earth, a number of space missions were designed to collect data, and to grow our understanding of the origin and evolution of life in the solar system. Determining whether conditions that could support life are found somewhere in the Universe is a fundamental question. The strategy adopted by space agencies in the search for life is "to follow the water". Water (present or past) can be assessed by the characterisation of minerals on the surface of planets, moons and comets; and Chemistry has played a pivotal role in the analysis of minerals.

This talk will provide details on instruments developed for missions sent to Mars, from the earliest Viking landers to the most recent Curiosity rover. Key results obtained by these instruments on Martian rocks, soil, dust and atmosphere will be provided.

This talk will take you on a journey through the evolution of scientific instrumentation and will be a celebration on the contribution Chemistry has made to the search for habitable environments beyond Earth.

6:00 pm Tuesday 12th March 2013
UTas Sandy Bay Chemistry 210 (Lecture Theatre 1)

Drinks and light refreshments available – please RSVP to racitasbranch@gmail.com.

Resources:

• RACI Seminar March 2013.pdf Size: 174 KB ( x )