Terrestrial life is characterized by significant complexity combined with a high degree of order. Life needs complexity and order combined to develop functionality, exactly this functionality that life uses to keep up its ordered state against the second law of thermodynamics. Essentially, life is a form of self-sustaining complex order. Consequently, the combination of complexity and...
Evidence for water-rock interactions and hydrothermal (HT) reactions at the ocean-floor of Enceladus was found via the mass spectrometers onboard the Cassini spacecraft – the Cosmic Dust Analyzer and the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer. Organic material of astrobiological interest, containing various moieties (N-, O- and aryl groups), was detected in ice grains coming from vents on...
The search for signs of biological activity on Mars is among the main objectives of Mars exploration programs [1]. Here, molecular biosignatures, i. e. molecular traces of life such as biomolecules, are of particular interest. It has to be noted though that biomolecules are highly susceptible to alteration by extreme conditions on extraterrestrial bodies. On Mars specifically, such conditions...
In planetary exploration and analog studies, the fusion of diverse datasets and collaborative research outcomes from multidisciplinary teams presents an exciting yet complex challenge. This abstract outlines an approach to address this challenge, as demonstrated during the 2023 Vulcano Summer School on Vulcano Island, Italy. Vulcano Island's unique geological setting, characterized by an...
Chemolithoautotrophic organisms thrive under extreme conditions (e.g., high metal concentrations, high temperatures, and low pH) through redox-altering minerals by oxidizing inorganic molecules (e.g., iron, sulfur, and other reduced inorganic sulfur compounds). As the early planetary phases of Earth and Mars are similar, this metabolomic path makes these microbial organisms good candidates for...
Early cellular membranes may have emerged and survived harsh temperature, pressure, pH or ionic strength gradients, presumably occurring in diverse geological environments, such as pumice rafts, volcanic splash pools, submarine hydrothermal vents and subaerial springs [1-2]. A wide variety of thermotropic phases could appear in the amphiphilic membranes under these environmental conditions,...
Research in the field of astrobiology requires the study of geological and biological features in harsh environments, such as arid, cave or volcanic environments as analogs for Mars and Venus. Evaluation of in-situ measurements and laboratory analysis of samples are important for life detection and habitability characterization, but are limited if context information such as spatial relations...
