An Infrared Mars Probe for Gathering Evidence on Extraterrestrial Life
Abstract
The Earth's atmosphere is opaque to most of the infrared band between 1 and 100 microns. One of the partial windows between 3 and 4 microns gave Sinton an opportunity to detect three small dips in the reflection spectra associated with the visual dark regions of Mars. The dips are not associated with the light arid areas of the planet. One small dip (on the shoulder of the descending spectrum) is at 3.43 microns. All C-H bond molecules heavier than methane have a strong infrared resonance absorption at 3.46 microns. It is quiet probable that organic matter is on Mars, but its origin is still an open question. More infrared reflection spectra of biological materials are needed, particularly in spectral regions where molecules of biological origin have very definite characteristics
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 11, 1960
- Accession Number
- ADB182010
Entities
People
- Max Gumpel
- Richard W. Davies
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology