Analysing the astrobiological aspects through the comparison of pyroxenes detected in meteorites and Martian environments

Autor(es)

do Nascimento-Dias, Bruno Leonardo ^[1] ; de Andrade, Maria Beatriz Barbosa ^[1] ; Da Costa Ludwig, Zelia Maria ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Juiz de Fora, Juiz De Fora, MG - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: International Journal of Astrobiology; v. 18, n. 6, p. 547-551, DEC 2019.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

Although pyroxenes are found abundantly in igneous rocks, this mineral group stands out for being one of the ferromagnesian mineral groups that constitute rocks of several different compositions. Hence, the purpose of this work is to demonstrate how these minerals may be relevant to Astrobiology. Essentially, through geochemical analyses of pyroxenes detected in Martian meteorites, it may be possible to find evidence of the existence of water in hydrothermal flows located in deep regions below the Martian surface. To this extent, it is also very important to highlight the whole collection of observational data from Mars, in which it is possible to notice that pyroxenes are found in a wide variety of geological environments. Therefore, based on Martian surface observations, meteorite analysis and experimental data, it is conceivable that, given the appropriate conditions, pyroxenes might be related to the formation and release of water molecules in the Martian environment. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/06114-6 - O Sistema Terra e a evolução da vida durante o Neoproterozoico
• Beneficiário: Ricardo Ivan Ferreira da Trindade
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Temático