Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez
Mexican astrobiologist (1959–2021)
Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rafael Navarro-González (1959-04-25)April 25, 1959 Mexico City, Mexico[1] |
| Died | January 28, 2021(2021-01-28) (aged 61) Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexico[1] |
| Education | Bachelors in Biology, Doctorate in Chemistry[1] |
| Alma mater | National Autonomous University of Mexico (BS-Biology); University of Maryland at College Park (PhD-Chemistry)[1] |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Astrobiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez, also known as Rafael Navarro-González and Rafael Navarro, (April 25, 1959 – January 28, 2021) was a Mexican NASA astrobiologist who worked with the Curiosity rover on the planet Mars, and who helped lead researchers in the identification of ancient organic compounds on the planet.[1][2][3] He was an internationally recognized scientist who merged laboratory simulations, field studies and modeling based on biology, chemistry and physics. Navarro-Gonzalez noted the significance of volcanic lightning in the origin of life on Earth.[1] His professional work included the SAM component on the Mars Science Laboratory, and the HABIT instrument on the Exomars mission.
He died from complications of COVID-19 on January 28, 2021. In April 2021, NASA named a mountain, "Rafael Navarro Mountain", on the planet Mars in his honor.[2][3]
Rafael Navarro Mountain on the planet Mars
(Curiosity rover; April 5, 2021)
(Curiosity rover; April 5, 2021)
Awards and honors
- Alexander von Humboldt Medal (2009)
- Molina fellowship (first recipient)
- World Academy of Sciences Award in Earth Sciences
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f Staff (February 14, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González - Mexico - 1959-2021". International Astronomical Union. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Shekhtman, Lonnie (April 5, 2021). "NASA's Curiosity Team Names Martian Hill That Serves as Mission 'Gateway'". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Staff (April 5, 2021). "Rafael Navarro-González". NASA. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
External links
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- Abiogenesis
- Allan Hills 84001
- Biomolecule
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- Drake equation
- Earliest known life forms
- Earth analog
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- Extremophiles
- Hypothetical types of biochemistry
- List of microorganisms tested in outer space
- Ocean planet
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- Search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI)
- Yamato meteorite
habitability
- Circumstellar habitable zone
- Earth analog
- Extraterrestrial liquid water
- Galactic habitable zone
- Habitability of binary star systems
- Habitability of natural satellites
- Habitability of neutron star systems
- Habitability of red dwarf systems
- Habitability of K-type main-sequence star systems
- Habitability of yellow dwarf systems
- Habitability of F-type main-sequence star systems
- Habitable zone for complex life
- List of potentially habitable exoplanets
- Tholin
- Superhabitable planet
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and programs
- Astrobiology Society of Britain
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- Carl Sagan Institute
- Center for Life Detection Science
- European Astrobiology Network Association
- MERMOZ
- NASA Astrobiology Institute
- Nexus for Exoplanet System Science
- Ocean Worlds Exploration Program
- Spanish Astrobiology Center
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