| | |  | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | |
| Search for past life on Mars: Possible relic biogenic activity in Martian meteorite ALH84001 |
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| Author(s): McKay DS, Gibson EK, ThomasKeprta KL, Vali H, Romanek CS, Clemett SJ, Chillier XDF, Maechling CR, Zare RN |
| Source: SCIENCE Volume: 273 Issue: 5277 Pages: 924-930 Published: AUG 16 1996 |
| Times Cited: 766 References: 87 |
| Abstract: Fresh fracture surfaces of the martian meteorite ALH84001 contain abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These fresh fracture surfaces also display carbonate globules. Contamination studies suggest that the PAHs are indigenous to the meteorite. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy study of surface textures and internal structures of selected carbonate globules show that the globules contain fine-grained, secondary phases of single-domain magnetite and Fe-sulfides. The carbonate globules are similar in texture and size to some terrestrial bacterially induced carbonate precipitates. Although inorganic formation is possible, formation of the globules by biogenic processes could explain many of the observed features, including the PAHs. The PAHs, the carbonate globules, and their associated secondary mineral phases and textures could thus be fossil remains of a past martian biota. |
| Document Type: Article |
| Language: English |
| Reprint Address: McKay, DS (reprint author), NASA, LYNDON B JOHNSON SPACE CTR, MAIL CODE SN, HOUSTON, TX 77058 USA |
Addresses:
1. NASA, LYNDON B JOHNSON SPACE CTR, HOUSTON, TX 77058 USA
2. NASA, HOUSTON, TX 77058 USA
3. MCGILL UNIV, DEPT EARTH & PLANETARY SCI, MONTREAL, PQ H3A 2A7 CANADA
4. UNIV GEORGIA, SAVANNAH RIVER ECOL LAB, AIKEN, SC 29802 USA
5. STANFORD UNIV, DEPT CHEM, STANFORD, CA 94305 USA |
| Publisher: AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE, 1200 NEW YORK AVE, NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20005 |
| Subject Category: Multidisciplinary Sciences |
| IDS Number: VC670 |
| ISSN: 0036-8075 |
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| | | | | | | | | Record from Web of Science® | | | | | | | | | |