Can an optical technique that is used every day in laboratories around the world help to answer the fundamental question: are we alone in the universe? A team of scientists from the U.S. and the United Kingdom certainly hopes so. The group believes that the fluorescence laser equipment can be made against the harsh climate on Mars to search for life on the planet.
The researchers argue that the system could work on any or Mars Rover and be ready for launch in five years. The main challenge they face is to the instrument light enough to be flown, and resilient enough to survive the cold, 120 C Martian nights.
Michael Storrie-Lombardi and Jan-Peter Muller, of the Mullard Space Sciences Laboratory in the United Kingdom are conducting experiments, both in the laboratory and in Silver Lake in California, USA – a well-known Mars analog study site. “Being able to test the fluorescence signal both under laboratory conditions and in the field is crucial in ensuring the system will operate on the surface of Mars,” said Muller.
