AMITY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN ASTROBIOLOGY, MUMBAI

AMASE - 2024

Amity Mission for Analogue Space Expedition

31st August 2024 to 7th September 2024 | Ladakh

Join us for the 8-day Mars Analogue Site Exploration & Expedition at Ladakh
Be a part of the scientific research, outreach activities and interact with experts in the field.

Amity Mission for Analogue Space Expedition (AMASE – 2024)

In continuation with two previous successful scientific expeditions to Ladakh, Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology, Amity Institute of Biotechnology; welcomes you to the upcoming Amity Mission for Analogue Space Expedition (AMASE - 2024). AMASE – 2024 is an immersive eight – day and seven – night expedition to Ladakh, India; from 31st August 2024 to 7th September, 2024. This unique program offers scientific exploration, educational outreach, and cultural immersion in Ladakh's stunning landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable experience at the frontier of astrobiology and space exploration.

Dr. Aseem Chauhan

Hon'ble Chancellor & President, AUM

Prof. (Dr.) A.W. Santhosh Kumar

Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, AUM

Organizing Team

Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, India

Dr. Penna Suprasanna

Dean Research (I/C), AUM

HOI (I/C), AIB, AUM

Dr. Renitta Jobby

Associate Professor

Head, Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology

Dr. Pavithra Sekhar

Associate Professor

Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology

Dr. R. Selvakumaran

Associate Professor

Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology

Dr. Sneha Gokani

Ramanujan fellow

Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology

Dr. R. Vinothkannan

Associate Professor

Amity Centre of Excellence in Astrobiology

Why Ladakh?

Geographically, Ladakh is characterized by a diverse landscape comprising of high mountain ranges, rivers, glaciers, large pristine lakes, and hot springs. The thin atmosphere, intense UV radiation, and extreme temperatures, challenge life forms; making it an excellent analogue for Astro biological studies. The region boasts of a diverse geological landscape with ancient rock formations and mineral deposits, offering insights into potential habitats for microbial life and extremophiles. Ladakh's minimal human population and limited industrial activity reduce contamination risks, enabling researchers to study pristine environments and microbial communities in their natural state. The high-altitude desert, landscapes, extreme climatic conditions, geomorphology and the aeolian processes makes Ladakh an exceptionally good Mars analog site, meaning we can draw similarities between the features in Ladakh and on Mars.

Expedition Details

Field Research

Sample and data collection at the sites of scientific relevance.

Interactive Sessions

Engage in discussions with leading astrobiologists and researchers.

Night Sky Observations

Explore Ladakh's pristine night skies and learn about celestial bodies.

Outreach Activities

Popular talks by scientists, hands-on experiments, and group activities.

Saboo Village

This area was heavily affected in 2010 when a cloudburst over the region triggered a chain of disastrous events like floods, rock, and debris slides, portraying the adverse effects of climate change in this sensitive region.

Tsokar Lake

Tso Kar is a high-altitude hypersaline lake at an elevation of 14860 feet with salt flats in the northern part of the lake as well as permafrost mounds, constantly hit by high UV radiation making the site remarkably similar to ancient Mars.

Puga hot spring

Puga hot springs are geothermal springs that are in close proximity to the Indus suture zone and hydrothermal deposits, which have sinter deposits that are boron rich and highlight an immense potential for studying organisms living in extreme conditions - extremophiles.

Tsomoriri Lake

The high altitude Tsomoriri Lake is a freshwater to brackish lake lying at 4,595m above sea level, with wet meadows and borax-laden wetlands along the shores.

How to reach Leh, Ladakh?

There are several transport options to Ladakh that include air, road, bus, and train; depending on your starting point and preferences.

Registration

Application

Open to everyone

Cost

35,000 INR + GST per person (Excluding flight charges)

Limited Seating

20 seats available at a first come first serve

Important Dates

Application Deadline

July 1st, 2024

Confirmation of Selection

July 8th, 2024

Payment Deadline

July 15th, 2024