Speaker: Michaela Leung

Host: Steve Kawaler 

Title: An Integrated Investigation of Biogenic Halomethane and Methylated Gases as Exoplanet Biosignature Candidates

Abstract: 

Methylated gases such as methyl chloride and dimethylsulfide have been previously established as biosignature candidates for Earth-like, anoxic, and sub-Neptune exoplanets. These gases belong to larger groups of compounds potentially applicable as biosignature candidates, including methylated halides, methylated metals, and halomethane gases. I will present additional methylated gas and halomethane candidates as target biosignatures for a range of planetary and stellar conditions, incorporating laboratory and field measurements of gas fluxes to fully integrate atmospheric modeling with known biological limitations. Analysis of detection prospects has revealed that these additional targets are promising for current and future instrumentation.