Research Project by Gifted Gabber Alumni - Divya Krishna
Project's Result
Published in the Journal of Student Research: Access the Full Paper Here
Gifted Gabber Research Program
This impactful research was conducted during the 2022 Research Program at Gifted Gabber, under the guidance of Research Professor Rajagopal Appavu and Mentor Coach Jo.
Research Summary
Is there life on Mars? This age-old question drives the curiosity of scientists and enthusiasts alike. Divya Krishna’s research explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life by investigating biosignatures, indicators of life processes, and their probability on the Martian surface.
This study delves into the analysis of key biosignatures, such as organic molecules, atmospheric gases, and isotopic ratios, using data from Mars rover missions and remote sensing technology. Divya examines the environmental conditions of Mars, including its historical water activity, surface chemistry, and potential habitable zones.
The research identifies critical findings on the persistence of biosignatures under Martian conditions, emphasizing areas like subsurface reservoirs and ancient lakebeds as promising targets for exploration. It also highlights the technological advancements and challenges in detecting these biosignatures with precision, such as the limitations of current spectrometry tools and the contamination risks in extraterrestrial sample collection.
By synthesizing data from planetary science and astrobiology, this research offers a compelling case for continued exploration of Mars. Divya Krishna’s work inspires future missions, contributing valuable insights into the quest to uncover the secrets of life beyond Earth.