The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems

National Research Council; Division On Earth And Life Studies; Board On Life Sciences; Division On Engineering And Physical Sciences; Space Studies Board; Committee On The Origins And Evolution Of Life; Committee On The Limits Of Organic Life In Planetary Systems

ISBN 10: 030910484X / ISBN 13: 9780309104845

Published by National Academies Press, US, 2007

About this Item

The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth (terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area. This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for future research.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780309104845

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems
• Publisher: National Academies Press, US
• Publication Date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 030910484X
• ISBN 13: 9780309104845
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth (terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area. This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for future research.

About the Author

Committee on the Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems, Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life, National Research Council