What is
Mars made of? Dust and many kinds of rock, for sure. But Dr. Janice Bishop, who
is both a chemist and planetary scientist, is trying to learn more about the red
planet's makeup by studying the spectral behavior of other materials that might
be found there. Her group is analyzing pure minerals, rocks from potential Mars
analogue field sites, and meteorites that are rocks from Mars. Spectroscopy is a
means of identifying compounds by the specific wavelengths of light they
reflect, and her expertise in this hi-tech "fingerprinting" scheme
has led to her participation in the research programs of many of today's
robotic Mars explorers. These include NASA's new Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter,
the highly successful and peripatetic Exploration
Rovers, and Europe's Mars Express.
Janice's
most recent publication appeared in Science August 8, 2008: "Phyllosilicate
Diversity and Past Aqueous Activity Revealed at Mawrth Vallis, Mars." She's
the first author for a study that analyzed data from CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance
Imaging Spectrometer) on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. They found evidence
of past activity of water on Mars in the clay mineral signatures recorded by CRISM.
Janice has also
made investigations into how particles of iron oxide
(also known as rust) might have been critically important in life's early days,
before an ozone layer could protect biology from the searing ultraviolet rays of
the sun. Small iron oxide particles could have operated as "sunshades"
for these ancient microbes, letting infrared and visible light through (so photosynthesis
could occur), while blocking the damaging ultraviolet. There was a time, billions
of years ago, when living in the rust belt was a good thing. In addition, experiments
with iron oxides in Janice's lab are geared toward understanding the magnetic properties
of the martian
dust. For more information on Janice's
research, please visit our website.
Experience a Mars-like Expedition — Only Better!
Would you like
to help investigate solfataric alteration on volcanic islands? Join Janice for a
week in the spectacular wilds of Iceland or the splendid landscapes of Santorini
or Hawaii, investigating an analogue site for Mars. You'll get to experience sulfur
vents up close and personal, while participating in sample collection and in situ
spectral measurements.
Some locations
are a bit remote and require a hike with a heavy backpack. The scenery, however,
is almost always breathtaking.
SETI Institute's Adopt a Scientist Program
Anyone can adopt a SETI Institute scientist
and become part of the adventure!
Each of our
scientists offers a compelling journey of discovery. When you adopt a scientist,
you help lead the way towards answering profound questions regarding our place in
the universe. You can form a one-on-one relationship and participate in the process
of groundbreaking science with any number of our institute's scientists. In an
effort to ensure that this vital research continues to prosper, our Adopt a Scientist
Program invites you to make a direct contribution to the field.
There are many
levels of commitment starting as low as $1,000, and payment plans are available.
For more information
on the Adopt a Scientist program
please visit our website, email Karen
Randall at or call Karen at 650-960-4537.
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