We describe circular polarization as a remote sensing diagnostic of chiral
signatures which may be applied to Mars. The remarkable phenomenon of
homochirality provides a unique biosignature which can be amenable to remote
sensing through circular polarization spectroscopy. The natural tendency of
microbes to congregate in close knit communities would be beneficial for such a
survey. Observations of selected areas of the Mars surface could reveal chiral
signatures and hence explore the possibility of extant or preserved biological
material. We describe a new instrumental technique that may enable observations
of this form.Comment: 14 pages, 3 figures; to be published in Planetary and Space Scienc
