event 21-May-2013 19:45:01

Workshop on Methane on Mars: Current Observations, Interpretation and Future Plans
Event Details:
From: 25 November 2009  
To: 27 November 2009  
Address: ESRIN
Frascati
Country: Italy
More info: Link to event website

Methane has been detected in the Martian atmosphere by ground-based telescopes and from orbit. This discovery indicates that the planet is either biologically or geologically active. The goal of the workshop is to review the available measurements, the potential reservoirs and release mechanisms of Methane and its circulation in the atmosphere, and to discuss all possible origins of this constituent.

Discussions on the following topics are anticipated:

  • Space observations of methane
  • Ground-based observations of methane
  • Martian atmosphere, surface and subsurface data relevant to the study of methane
  • Origin, source, and loss of methane
  • Atmospheric circulation and chemistry
  • Mechanisms for storage and release
  • Microbial life and metabolism in water ice
  • Biological experiments under Martian conditions
  • Future measurements of methane, its dissociation products, and related trace gases.

Last Update: 30 July 2009

For further information please contact: SciTech.editorial@esa.int