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.
Rafael Navarro-Gonzalez | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rafael Navarro-González April 25, 1959 |
| Died | January 28, 2021 (aged 61) Mexico |
| 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 |
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]
(Curiosity rover; April 5, 2021)
Awards and honors
edit- Alexander von Humboldt Medal (2009)
- Molina fellowship (first recipient)
- World Academy of Sciences Award in Earth Sciences
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e 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.
