Chris McKay
Professor of Astronomy
Ph.D. in AstroGeophysics, University of Colorado, 1982
Planetary Scientist
Space Science Division of NASA Ames
Biographical Sketch
Dr. Christopher P. McKay, Planetary Scientist with the Space Science Division of NASA Ames. Chris received his Ph.D. in AstroGeophysics from the University of Colorado in 1982 and has been a research scientist with the NASA Ames Research Center since that time. His current research focuses on the evolution of the solar system and the origin of life. He is also actively involved in planning for future Mars missions including human settlements. Chris has been involved with polar research since 1980, traveling to the Antarctic dry valleys and more recently to the Siberian and Canadian Arctic to conduct research in these Mars-like environments. Dr. McKay is a recepient of the prestigious Kuiper Award from the Division of Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society for his contributions.Abstract
Although the Viking results may indicate that Mars has no life today, there is direct geomorphological evidence that, in the past, Mars had large amounts of liquid water on its surface --- possibly due to a thicker atmosphere. From a biological perspective the existence of liquid water, by itself, motivates the question of the origin of life on Mars. One of the martian meteorites dates back to this early period and may contain evidence consistent with life. From studies of the Earth's earliest biosphere we know that by 3.5 billion years. ago, life had originated on Earth and reached a fair degree of biological sophistication. Surface activity and erosion on Earth make it difficult to trace the history of life before the 3.5 billion year timeframe. Ecosystems in cold, dry locations on Earth --- such as the Antarctic --- provide examples of how life on Mars might have survived and where to look for fossils.Related Links:
