Using spectroscopy to search for life
beyond Earth
Here in the Yeşilbaş Lab, we study water across planets and time.
We combine (geo)chemistry, astrobiology and spectroscopy to discover how water may fuel life on other planets and offers a resource for future human exploration. Our goal is to time travel, to answer a single, driving question:
Is there, or has there ever been, water on Mars?
A little about our (unconventional) methods…
We use Vibrational Spectroscopy to search for water on Mars and the Icy Worlds
Vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful method to measure the spectral fingerprints of minerals, rocks and the varied phases of water and salts. Our lab specializes in using vibrational spectroscopy to study the ice interfacial chemistry of martian analogue minerals, rocks, and soils. In doing so, we take a unique molecular approach to explore the role of the martian regolith for ‘stabilized water’ on Mars. Our research is performed at our own Yesilbas lab facilities and supported with the excellent infrastructures from the Chemical Biological Center at Umeå University.
We use Vibrational Spectroscopy to search for water on Mars and the Icy Worlds
Vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful method to measure the spectral fingerprints of minerals, rocks and the varied phases of water and salts. Our lab specializes in using vibrational spectroscopy to study the ice interfacial chemistry of martian analogue minerals, rocks, and soils. In doing so, we take a unique molecular approach to explore the role of the martian regolith for ‘stabilized water’ on Mars. Our research is performed at our own Yesilbas lab facilities and supported with the excellent infrastructures from the Chemical Biological Center at Umeå University.
We use Vibrational Spectroscopy to search for water on Mars and the Icy Worlds
Vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful method to measure the spectral fingerprints of minerals, rocks and the varied phases of water and salts. Our lab specializes in using vibrational spectroscopy to study the ice interfacial chemistry of martian analogue minerals, rocks, and soils. In doing so, we take a unique molecular approach to explore the role of the martian regolith for ‘stabilized water’ on Mars. Our research is performed at our own Yesilbas lab facilities and supported with the excellent infrastructures from the Chemical Biological Center at Umeå University.
Research
We study the geochemical changes of the planet Mars, using field, laboratory, and satellite data.
Publications
We publish studies addressing some of humanities biggest questions, like “Are we alone in the universe?”
Meet our team
We have researchers from astrobiology, geochemistry, planetary sciences and more – all studying Mars together.
Congratulations to our PI Merve for securing fundings for a New Dynamic Vapor Sorption Instrument!
Congratulations to our PI Merve for securing fundings for a New Dynamic Vapor Sorption Instrument!
Congratulations to our PI Merve for securing fundings for a New Dynamic Vapor Sorption Instrument!
Let’s collaborate to understand life and water in the universe!
Our lab takes a uniquely molecular approach to answering questions at the planetary scale. If you’re excited about studying water and geochemistry on alien planets, then join us on our quest for life in the universe!