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Infrared spectroscopy of micro-organisms near 3,4 μm in relation to geology and astronomy

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Abstract

Microorganisms sealed in KBr dises have an absorption spectrum over the 2.5–15 μm waveband that shows thermal stability as they are heated in an inert atmosphere to temperatures of about 400°C. Microfossils tightly sealed within cavities in rocks could be endowed with similar properties of thermal stability. The observed absorption of interstellar material along the line of sight from the solar system to the galactic centre is remarkably similar to the spectrum of dry micro-organisms over the 3.15–3.7 μm waveband.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Applied Mathematics and Astronomy, and Biochemistry, University College, Cardiff, U.K.

    F. Hoyle, N. C. Wickramasinghe, S. Al-Mufti & A. H. Olavesen

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  1. F. Hoyle
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  2. N. C. Wickramasinghe
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  3. S. Al-Mufti
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  4. A. H. Olavesen
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Hoyle, F., Wickramasinghe, N.C., Al-Mufti, S. et al. Infrared spectroscopy of micro-organisms near 3,4 μm in relation to geology and astronomy. Astrophys Space Sci 81, 489–492 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00676170

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00676170

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