Detection of Methane in the Atmosphere of Mars
University of Michigan · Space Research Institute · +2 more institutions
Abstract
We report a detection of methane in the martian atmosphere by the Planetary Fourier Spectrometer onboard the Mars Express spacecraft. The global average methane mixing ratio is found to be 10 +/- 5 parts per billion by volume (ppbv). However, the mixing ratio varies between 0 and 30 ppbv over the planet. The source of methane could be either biogenic or nonbiogenic, including past or present subsurface microorganisms, hydrothermal activity, or cometary impacts.
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 28.85
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 37
Authors
5- VFV. FormisanoCorresponding
University of Michigan, Space Research Institute, Laboratoire d’études spatiales et d’instrumentation en astrophysique, National Institute for Astrophysics
- SKS. K. Atreya
University of Michigan, Space Research Institute, Laboratoire d’études spatiales et d’instrumentation en astrophysique, National Institute for Astrophysics
- TET. Encrenaz
University of Michigan, Space Research Institute, Laboratoire d’études spatiales et d’instrumentation en astrophysique, National Institute for Astrophysics
- NIN. Ignatiev
University of Michigan, Space Research Institute, Laboratoire d’études spatiales et d’instrumentation en astrophysique, National Institute for Astrophysics
- MGM. Giuranna
University of Michigan, Space Research Institute, Laboratoire d’études spatiales et d’instrumentation en astrophysique, National Institute for Astrophysics
Topics & keywords
- Methane
- Astrobiology
- Atmosphere of Mars
- Mixing ratio
- Mars Exploration Program
- Atmosphere (unit)
- Environmental science
- Atmospheric methane