Potential exoplanet pseudo-biosignatures

Gregory Konesky

doi:10.1117/12.892210

23 September 2011 Potential exoplanet pseudo-biosignatures

Gregory Konesky

Proceedings Volume 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV; 815209 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.892210
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Over 500 exoplanets have been discovered so far, some being rocky, terrestrial planets. Advancing instrumentation permits spectroscopic examination of their atmospheres, and remote detection of potential of biogenic gases. Of particular interest are oxygen and methane, although other gases are considered. Short residence time of these gases implies continued renewal. Abiotic sources are considered at levels that could be misinterpreted as a pseudobiosignature. Photodissociation of water molecules, for example, could produce an oxygen pseudo-biosignature, although generally at low levels. However, large-scale water loss events, as are thought to have occurred on Venus and Mars, could produce a substantial pseudo-biosignature.

Citation Download Citation

Gregory Konesky "Potential exoplanet pseudo-biosignatures", Proc. SPIE 8152, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology XIV, 815209 (23 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.892210

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