The LUCAS program: detecting vegetation and traces of life in the Earthshine

Abstract The aim of the LUCAS program is to observe chlorophyll and atmospheric molecules in the Earthshine spectrum in order to prepare the detection of life in terrestrial extrasolar planets to be discovered. Actually, observations from Antarctica offer a unique possibility to study the variations...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union
Main Authors: Briot, Danielle, Arnold, Luc, Jacquemoud, Stéphane, Schneider, Jean, Agabi, Karim, Aristidi, Eric, Berthier, Jérôme, Bondoux, Erick, Challita, Zalpha, Petermann, Denis, Pouzenc, Cyprien, Rocher, Patrick
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 2009
Subjects:
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Space and Planetary Science
Concordia Station
Antarc*
Antarctica
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s174392131001080x
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S174392131001080X
Description
Summary:Abstract The aim of the LUCAS program is to observe chlorophyll and atmospheric molecules in the Earthshine spectrum in order to prepare the detection of life in terrestrial extrasolar planets to be discovered. Actually, observations from Antarctica offer a unique possibility to study the variations of Earthshine spectrum during Earth rotation while various parts of Earth are facing the Moon. Special instrumentation for the LUCAS program was designed and put in the Concordia station in the Dome C. Observations are in progress.

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