Extraterrestrial Life Research Articles

Tropes and the Literary-Scientific Revolution: Forms of Proof, by Michael Slater

Tropes and the Literary-Scientific Revolution: Forms of Proof, by Michael Slater

Retrieved Atmospheres and Inferred Surface Properties for Terrestrial Exoplanets Using Transmission and Reflected-light Spectroscopy

Future astrophysics missions will seek extraterrestrial life via transmission and direct-imaging observations. To assess habitability and biosignatures, we need robust retrieval tools to analyze observed spectra, and infer surface and atmospheric properties with their uncertainties. We use a novel retrieval tool to assess accuracy in characterizing near-surface habitability and biosignatures via simulated transmission and direct-imaging spectra, based on the Origins Space Telescope (Origins) and LUVOIR mission concepts. We assess our ability to discriminate between an Earth-like and a false-positive O3 TRAPPIST-1 e with transmission spectroscopy. In reflected light, we assess the robustness of retrieval results to unmodeled cloud extinction. We find that assessing habitability using transmission spectra may be challenging due to relative insensitivity to surface temperature and near-surface H2O abundances. Nonetheless, our order-of-magnitude H2O constraints can discriminate extremely desiccated worlds. Direct imaging is insensitive to surface temperature and subject to the radius/albedo degeneracy, but this method proves highly sensitive to surface water abundance, achieving retrieval precision within 0.1% even with partial clouds. Concerning biosignatures, Origins-like transmission observations (t = 40 hr) may detect the CO2/CH4 pair on M-dwarf planets and differentiate between biological and false-positive O3 using H2O and abundant CO. In contrast, direct-imaging observations with LUVOIR-A (t = 10 hr) are better suited to constraining O2 and O3, and may be sensitive to wavelength-dependent water cloud features, but will struggle to detect modern-Earth-like abundances of methane. For direct imaging, we weakly detect a stratospheric ozone bulge by fitting the near-UV wings of the Hartley band.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Habitability of TRAPPIST-1 Exoplanets

TRAPPIST-1 is the most studied star system other than our Solar System. The announcement of the discovery of the system fostered international attention for its potential to harbor extraterrestrial life, and maybe one day even human life. This paper aims to evaluate the validity of this excitement by interpreting and compiling all available information regarding factors that could potentially affect habitability. To do this, we look at all data regarding the Habitable Zone and Water Presence, Tidal Forces, and Atmospheric Composition resulting in Extreme UV (EUV) Flux. Specifically, we compare Transmission spectra of the four planets in the habitable zone with synthetic, potentially habitable atmospheres, we compare composition and density of the planets with Earth and other density models to determine water composition, and we consider both high and low stellar activity to determine EUV flux in an anoxic, Earth-like and very thin atmosphere. This paper shows that on net, due to the lack of a thick atmosphere, various issues arise that lead to the conclusion that the planetary system is uninhabitable for even the most resistant terrestrial organisms. This set of considerations could be used in studying other planetary systems and evaluating their habitability as well.

The War of the Worlds: Reading the Fragile Existence of Humans in the Age of Anthropocene

H.G. Wells’ science fiction The War of the Worlds (1898) in its imagined reality connects the isolated human existence with the universe and the unknown that exists beyond human understanding. The anticipation of the possibility of extraterrestrial life beyond human existence gave way to the understanding that humans on earth are not superior. Wells’ being influenced by the ideas of evolution propagated by Charles Darwin drew a conflict between organic beings with and beyond life on earth and its ecosystems. If looked through an ecocritical perspective, Well’s work can be seen as containing a greater sense of destruction and fragility of life on earth beyond human existence. The novel has inspired several other works and has been adapted into various films. While many interpretations of the text have revolved around social and political conflicts, a latest adaptation, an ongoing television series War of the Worlds (first aired in 2019) narrates concerns relevant to the age of the Anthropocene. One of the major changes is the aliens depicted in the series. The series re-imagines the weird Martians as aliens who are found to be a race of humans from the future. This paper will explore how the new adaptation draws from the original novel, but changing the aliens gives way to address the issues that are lurking in this age. With the arrival of the alien race on the Earth, the TV series shows an awareness of human beings as planetary forces through the struggle for survival between the two races of human life. The TV series brings about a dialogue relevant to the current time about who we are as humans, the fragility of human existence, and how humans are consciously transforming the planet we live in and its environment.

Evidence and concerns about a latent, embryonic phase tectonic evolution and the existence of the young subsurface ocean on Mimas

The icy moons of outer Solar system gas and ice giants have been in the spotlight of scientific and common interest because of the possibility of a subsurface ocean hidden under their ice shells, which may harbor extraterrestrial life. The patterns of various lineaments on the surface of icy satellites may indicate active tectonic processes and the interaction between the surface and the subsurface ocean, which allows material transport toward the habitat of putative alien life. In the case of Mimas, one of the moons of Saturn, new models challenge the long-standing conclusion about the satellite being an inactive snowball, suggesting the existence of a young ocean hiding under its ice shell. Unfortunately, no observable evidence has been found implying ongoing or probably already stopped tectonic activity and the theoretical subsurface ocean. Here, we present the first structural geological map of the icy satellite, with the signs of various tectonic features, along with a simple crosscutting chronology of lineaments formation. In accordance with the theoretical young age of the subsurface ocean, the observed phenomena are described as putative lineaments, ridges, and troughs. Such simple tectonic features are identified as young compared to complex structures, such as bands appearing on other satellites. The pattern of the linear features seems to overlap with the allocation of various modeled global nonlinear tidal dissipation patterns. In such a way, it may indicate the possible existence of the theoretical subsurface stealth ocean. With such an evolving young subsurface ocean and the barely recognizable pattern of simple lineaments, Mimas may represent a newly recognized group of icy satellites showing the early, latent, embryonic phase of tectonic activity. In contrast, the overlapping and crosscutting relations between craters and the observed features may raise some concerns about the “recent” formation of such linear features, indicating possibly long-time dormant or already stopped tectonic processes at the very early, embryonic phase of lineament formation billions of years ago. Despite the possible additional triggers of tectonic processes on icy satellites (e.g., surface crust mobility by plastic subsurface deformation), the presented geological investigation brought a new angle and additional evidence about a possible stealth ocean hiding under the crater-covered surface of Mimas, regardless of its geological age and recent state of evolution. Undoubtedly, the results and the raised concerns will trigger more intense investigations on Mimas and other, similar icy satellites in the Solar system.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Solar System Exploration and Beyond

Carl Sagan’s reflections emphasize the boundless potential awaiting humanity in space, regardless of our past achievements or failures. This optimistic view resonates with current space agencies, private space startups, and enthusiasts, all driven by the ambition to make humans a multiplanetary species. Key examples include Elon Musk’s goal to terraform Mars, despite skepticism from some scientists. Space exploration faces numerous challenges, such as dealing with space debris, unpredictable climates on other planets, and the complexities of missions like NASA’s attempts to land on Mars. Space missions confront obstacles in navigation, life detection, and sample testing. Astronauts also encounter physical and mental limitations due to the harsh conditions of space. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool in addressing these challenges. AI is categorized into supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and semi-supervised learning, with reinforcement learning being a distinct method used for autonomous applications. Neural networks, including convolutional and recurrent neural networks, mimic human behavior for tasks like image inspection and sequential data handling. Deep learning aids in complex pattern recognition, and natural language processing facilitates speech recognition and development. Expert systems enhance decision-making processes. This review explores various AI applications in space missions. AI technologies have been integral to recent missions such as the James Webb Space Telescope, which uses AI for object and galaxy inspection, and the ARTEMIS mission, which employs AI in designing new spacesuits. SpaceX leverages AI for reusable launch vehicles, while the European Space Agency (ESA) uses AI for autonomous spacecraft to cut mission costs. India plans to launch the AI-based Vyommitra robot in space and has utilized AI in the Chandrayaan mission for landing and navigation. Mars exploration benefits significantly from AI, given the planet’s unpredictable weather and cratered surface. AI technologies, like the OASIS system, aid in mission planning and rover navigation. AI also supports space agriculture research, as demonstrated by the UAE’s habitat design efforts. Beyond Mars, AI influences the exploration of asteroids and deep space. AI techniques, such as convolutional neural networks, assist in space dynamics calculations to predict asteroid trajectories and potential Earth impacts. AI has been employed in Voyager missions to seek extraterrestrial life and in the Hubble telescope for imaging exoplanets. AI enhances satellite communication and automates tasks on space stations, saving time and costs. Weather satellites, powered by AI, provide crucial alerts for natural disasters. Despite the challenges, AI offers promising solutions for advancing space exploration. The historical tendency to deem certain challenges insurmountable is gradually shifting, as past impossibilities, like human flight and space travel, have become historical milestones. This reinforces the importance of maintaining hope and persistence in the quest to explore space, as today's dreams may become tomorrow's history.

Detectability of Solar Panels as a Technosignature

In this work, we assess the potential detectability of solar panels made of silicon on an Earth-like exoplanet as a potential technosignature. Silicon-based photovoltaic cells have high reflectance in the ultraviolet-to-visible (UV-VIS) and in the near-infrared, within the wavelength range of a space-based flagship mission concept like the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO). Assuming that only solar energy is used to provide the 2022 human energy needs with a land cover of ∼2.4%, and projecting the future energy demand assuming various growth-rate scenarios, we assess the detectability with an 8 m HWO-like telescope. Assuming the most favorable viewing orientation, and focusing on the strong absorption edge in the UV-VIS (0.34–0.52 μm), we find that several hundreds of hours of observation time are needed to reach a signal-to-noise ratio of 5 for an Earth-like planet around a Sun-like star at 10 pc, even with a solar panel coverage of ∼23% land coverage of a future Earth. We discuss the necessity of concepts like Kardeshev Type I/II civilizations and Dyson spheres, which would aim to harness vast amounts of energy. Even with much larger populations than today, the total energy use of human civilization would be orders of magnitude below the threshold for causing direct thermal heating or reaching the scale of a Kardashev Type I civilization. Any extraterrestrial civilization that likewise achieves sustainable population levels may also find a limit on its need to expand, which suggests that a galaxy-spanning civilization as imagined in the Fermi paradox may not exist.

Marine Science Can Contribute to the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life.

Life on our planet likely evolved in the ocean, and thus exo-oceans are key habitats to search for extraterrestrial life. We conducted a data-driven bibliographic survey on the astrobiology literature to identify emerging research trends with marine science for future synergies in the exploration for extraterrestrial life in exo-oceans. Based on search queries, we identified 2592 published items since 1963. The current literature falls into three major groups of terms focusing on (1) the search for life on Mars, (2) astrobiology within our Solar System with reference to icy moons and their exo-oceans, and (3) astronomical and biological parameters for planetary habitability. We also identified that the most prominent research keywords form three key-groups focusing on (1) using terrestrial environments as proxies for Martian environments, centred on extremophiles and biosignatures, (2) habitable zones outside of "Goldilocks" orbital ranges, centred on ice planets, and (3) the atmosphere, magnetic field, and geology in relation to planets' habitable conditions, centred on water-based oceans.

Evaluating Pigments as a Biosignature: Abiotic/Prebiotic Synthesis of Pigments and Pigment Mimics in Planetary Environments.

Pigments serve a multitude of functions in biology including light harvesting for photosynthesis, radiation protection, membrane support, and defense. The ubiquity of pigments-especially within extremophiles found in high-radiation, high-salinity, and dry environments-and their detectability via mission-ready techniques have elevated these molecules as promising targets in the search for evidence of life elsewhere. Moreover, the detection of pigments has been proposed as a "smoking gun" for extraterrestrial life as it has been suggested that these molecules cannot be generated abiotically. However, while pigments may hold promise as a biosignature, current understanding of their possible prebiotic origins remains understudied and uncertain. Better understanding of the abiotic synthesis of pigments is critical for evaluating the biogenicity of any pigment detected during missions, including by the Mars Perseverance rover or from returned samples. Compounding this uncertainty is the broad definition of pigment as it includes any compound capable of absorbing visible light and by itself does not specify a particular chemical motif. While not experimentally verified, there are promising prebiotic routes for generating pigments including hemes, chlorophylls, and carotenoids. Herein, we review the biochemistry of pigments, the inherent assumptions made when searching for these molecules in the field, their abiotic synthesis in industry and prebiotic reactions, prebiotically relevant molecules that can mimic their spectral signatures, and implications/recommendations for future work.

A Multi-Satellite Space Environment Risk Prediction and Real-Time Warning System for Satellite Safety Management

In response to the need for a space security situation assessment during orbit, the multi-satellite space environmental risk prediction and early warning system is based on the detection results of the space weather payload of the Fengyun 4A and 4B satellites, as well as the prediction results of the National Space Weather Center, for the first time. By comprehensively utilizing some open-source data, it is the first time that we have achieved a 24 h advanced prediction of the space environment high-energy proton, low-energy particle, and high-energy electron risks for the safety of the Fengyun-series high-orbit satellites, and a real-time warning of satellite single-event upset, surface charging, and deep charging risks. The automation system has preliminarily achieved an intelligent space risk assessment for the safety of multiple stationary meteorological satellites, effectively improving the application efficiency of the space environmental data and the products of Fengyun-series satellites. The business status is stable in operation, and the resulting error between the predicted results of various risk indices and the measured data was less than one level. The warning accuracy was better than 90%. This article uses the system for the first time, to use Fengyun satellite data to, accurately and in a timely manner, predict and warn us about the low-energy particles and surface charging high-risk levels of the Fengyun 4A and 4B satellites during the typical space weather event on 21 April 2023, in response to the impact of complex spatial environmental factors on the safety of Fengyun-series high-orbit satellites. The construction and operation of a multi-satellite space environmental risk prediction and early warning system can provide a reference for the safety work of subsequent satellite ground system operations.

A geometric framework for interstellar discourse on fundamental physical structures

This paper considers the possibility that abstract thinking and advanced synthesis skills might encourage extraterrestrial civilizations to accept communication with mankind on Earth. For this purpose, a notation not relying upon the use of alphabet and numbers is proposed, in order to denote just some basic geometric structures of current physical theories: vector fields, [Formula: see text]-form fields, and tensor fields of arbitrary order. An advanced civilization might appreciate the way here proposed to achieve a concise description of electromagnetism and general relativity, and hence it might accept the challenge of responding to our signals. The abstract symbols introduced in this paper to describe the basic structures of physical theories are encoded into black and white bitmap images that can be easily converted into short bit sequences and modulated on a carrier wave for radio transmission.

Intelligent Space: Enhancing Living Environment with Smart Technology (Smart Room)

In the era of smart living, the integration of advanced technologies with in indoor environments has become imperative. This abstract presents a comprehensive solution for transforming conventional rooms into intelligent spaces through the implementation of a visitor counter System, air quality monitor, and an IoT-based room automation system. The visitor counter System utilizes state-of-the-art sensors and computer vision algorithms to accurately track and count the number of individuals within the room. Simultaneously, an air quality Monitoring system is incorporated to assess and maintain optimal indoor air quality. The integration of an IoT-based room automation system further enhances the smart room's functionality. Through the use of interconnected smart devices, occupants can customize their environment based on preferences, contributing to energy efficiency and overall comfort. This smart room solution is designed with a focus on user-centricity, energy efficiency, and sustainability.

A polymerase chain reaction experiment using Escherichia coli and Mars sand simulant for detection and analysis of extraterrestrial life

In this study, we conducted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments using Escherichia coli (E. coli) and a Mars sand simulant (Mars Global Simulant MGS-1, Exolith Lab) to detect and analyze potential extraterrestrial life. The targeted DNA sequence is common among the bacterial kingdom on Earth. PCR experiments conducted after alkaline heat extraction, wherein samples with varying amounts of Mars sand simulant were compared, revealed that the simulant interfered with DNA detection. We then conducted PCR experiments following treatment with a sand DNA extraction kit on samples with various E. coli densities. DNA bands for a minimum E. coli density of 900 cells/(g sand) were confirmed, while no DNA bands were visible in the 90 cells/(g sand) sample with and without the Mars sand simulant. The total DNA mass contained in 900 cells was calculated to be 15.3 pg (i.e., 1.53 pg in 0.1 g sand sample we evaluated). We tested and compared the influence of the eluate of Mars sand simulant and DNA adsorption onto Mars sand simulant based on optical absorbance measurements. Our findings suggest that the mechanism by which the Mars sand simulant prevents PCR is through the adsorption of DNA onto the Mars sand simulant.

Multi-agency counter-terrorism in Britain and Norway: Intelligence agencies and the administration of welfare

This article explores the emergence of new counter-terrorism programmes in the Britain and Norway through which intelligence and security agencies administer welfare. Support and resources are covertly allocated to persons identified as potential threats, through multi-agency structures led by intelligence and security agencies. Unlike Countering Violent Extremism programmes, this multi-agency management is not led by the local municipality; nor are its participants asked to consent to participation. These new programmes are covert. To conceptualize the significance of intelligence agencies entering the space of welfare administration, Mitchell Dean’s work ‘Liberal Government and Authoritarianism’ is used to underline the traditional separation of agencies within liberal governmentality. Governing through freedom entails the ostensible separation of policing, education and care agencies – reflecting the categorization of the population into groups requiring varying levels of coercion to self-govern. To avoid governing too much, each category of population is allocated a specific agency. Traditionally, intelligence and security agencies have been positioned at the highest tier of repression. By entering the space of welfare administration (and thus social policy), intelligence and security agencies have disturbed the sectoral separation integral to liberal governmentality, leaving care and repression in an ever more ambiguous relationship.

『주역』의 생명철학으로 보는 ‘생명 존중’에 대한 고찰

Nowadays, phenomenons such as pandemic, war, infanticide, etc. make us realize the severity of disregards-for-life and the importance of value-of-life. The term life-value includes the meaning of respect-for-life. Respect-for-life is an idea that values all living things and gives value to all life. Respect for life naturally leads to fear of life, which is called ‘reverence-for-life’ or ‘fear-for-life’. Life is extremely precious and deserves to be fully protected, but humanity is immature and often fails to maintain its natural attitude towards life and neglects or damages life. In 『Zhouyì』, the idea of respect-for-life is described as ‘Ceaseless Production(生生)’. 『Zhouyì』 understands the world and the entire universe as an eternal cycle with no beginning or end. Ceaseless Production(生生) means living and living. In this study, the structure of life philosophy is discussed focusing on 「Gyesajeon」, one of Ten Wings(十翼) of 『Zhouyì』. In 「Gyesajeon」, the cyclical process of Ceaseless Production(生生不息), in other words ‘birth and birth again’, is revealed based on the communion of heavenandearth-QianKun(天地乾坤) and Virtuous Concordance of Yin and Yang(陰陽合德). The study also reviews the essence and principles of life in the universe and how it changes and circulates based on the life principles of Qiando(乾道) and Kundo(坤道) and the principles of Yi-jian(易簡) from 「Gyesajeon」, the practice of Doeui(道義) through Cheng-seong (成性), the reality of gwisin(鬼神), and an analysis of the philosophical concept of life circulation. Furthermore, the role and significance of life philosophy from 『Zhouyì』 were considered in regards to social issues related to life occurring in modern society and the way to move from disregards-for-life to Respect-for-life was suggested.

Secondary eclipse and day-night modulation of exoplanets observed by transiting exoplanet survey satellite

Astronomers have identified over five thousand extrasolar planets since the discovery of the first solar-like star in 1995. These systems exhibit greater diversity than our solar system, providing insights into their formation and evolution. To understand these exoplanets and their habitability, it is crucial to examine their atmosphere composition. The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) can detect reflected light from exoplanets with high accuracy, providing valuable insights into their formation and potential for life in the Universe. Planetary reflection can be detected by monitoring the light curve, which is the sum of stellar flux and planetary reflection. Orbiting planets may also reveal their presence by modulating reflected starlight, showing day-night variations in observers sight lines. However, these flux variations are extremely small, at a level of 0.01%, making detection difficult. This study developed an efficient Python program to search for secondary eclipse and day-night modulation on the TESS light curves of over four hundred known short-period transiting exoplanets. The program automatically identifies and rejects low-quality photometric data points in light curves, folding high-quality light curves in the orbital phase determined by primary transits. The phase-folded average light curves have high photometric precision, suitable for detecting secondary eclipse and day-night modulation. The program successfully identified planetary reflection in seventeen transiting exoplanetary systems, larger than the current TESS sample by twice. The program plans to upgrade to search for orbital phase modulation in non-transit exoplanets, taking advantage of the high precision of TESS photometry.

Intelligent Space Thermal Control Radiator Based on Phase Change Material with Partial Visible Transparency

Coating structures with dynamically adjustable infrared emissivity are crucial in spacecraft components to cope with the transient thermal environments of space. For a long time, thermochromic phase change materials have been widely used in applications requiring emissivity adjustment, and optimizing the range of adjustable infrared emissivity has always been at the forefront of research. However, reducing the absorption of solar radiation has significant implications for the practical application and thermal stability of spacecraft components in space environments. In this paper, we propose a multilayer film structure based on the phase change material VO2 combined with the materials ZnSe and ITO to achieve low solar radiation absorption and adjustable infrared emissivity for intelligent thermal radiators in space. Through finite element simulation analysis of the structure, we achieve a solar radiation absorption rate of 0.3 and an adjustable infrared emissivity of 0.49. According to Stefan–Boltzmann’s law, the structure exhibits strong radiative heat dissipation at high temperatures and weak energy dissipation at low temperatures to maintain the thermal stability of the device and ensure efficient operation. The intelligent thermal radiator operates based on the principles of Fabry–Perot resonance. Therefore, the multilayer structure based on the phase change material VO2 demonstrates excellent performance in both solar radiation absorption and adjustable infrared emissivity, showcasing its tremendous potential in the field of intelligent thermal control in aerospace.

The importance of continents, oceans and plate tectonics for the evolution of complex life: implications for finding extraterrestrial civilizations

Within the uncertainties of involved astronomical and biological parameters, the Drake Equation typically predicts that there should be many exoplanets in our galaxy hosting active, communicative civilizations (ACCs). These optimistic calculations are however not supported by evidence, which is often referred to as the Fermi Paradox. Here, we elaborate on this long-standing enigma by showing the importance of planetary tectonic style for biological evolution. We summarize growing evidence that a prolonged transition from Mesoproterozoic active single lid tectonics (1.6 to 1.0 Ga) to modern plate tectonics occurred in the Neoproterozoic Era (1.0 to 0.541 Ga), which dramatically accelerated emergence and evolution of complex species. We further suggest that both continents and oceans are required for ACCs because early evolution of simple life must happen in water but late evolution of advanced life capable of creating technology must happen on land. We resolve the Fermi Paradox (1) by adding two additional terms to the Drake Equation: foc (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans) and fpt (the fraction of habitable exoplanets with significant continents and oceans that have had plate tectonics operating for at least 0.5 Ga); and (2) by demonstrating that the product of foc and fpt is very small (< 0.00003–0.002). We propose that the lack of evidence for ACCs reflects the scarcity of long-lived plate tectonics and/or continents and oceans on exoplanets with primitive life.

Is there a universal limit to technological development? Evidences from astrobiology

Considering the vastness of time and space, if one civilization — ours — has been able to advance technologically to the point of leaving its own planet, why technosignatures from other advanced extraterrestrial civilizations have never been identified? In this paper, I offer an explanation for that, developing an insight originally presented by Webb and others and using insights from astrobiology, sustainability and archaeology. I argue that there exists a universal limit to technological development (ULTD), determined by decreasing technological returns on societal complexity, increasing maintenance costs of existing technology, the eventual untestability of scientific theories due to the high costs involved and the unattainable energy levels needed to test them and civilization-damaging catastrophes. I also argue, based on the principle of mediocrity, that the ULTD is not much above our current level of technological development. Technology, therefore, will not be able to provide another home to humankind. Such a possibility should be taken into consideration during the decision-making process concerning both the allocation of resources to research or mitigation of technology-induced planetary changes and the definition of goals to space exploration.

Water bridges as the trigger in an amino functionalized Zn-MOF for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water

Water is a fundamental element for life. The highly selective and sensitive sensing of water is always attractive for mankind in activities such as physiological processes study and extraterrestrial life exploration. Fluorescent MOFs with precise channels and functional groups might specifically recognize water molecules with hydrogen-bond interaction or coordination effects and work as water sensors. As a proof of concept, herein, an amino functionalized Zn-MOF (named as complex 1) with pores that just right for water molecules to form hydrogen bond bridges is revealed for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the 3D framework of complex 1 is functionalized with free amino groups in the channels. Hydrogen bonds formed in the channel along b-axis as water bridges to connect two adjacent NH2bdc ligands and result in the restriction of intramolecular motions (RIM) which could responsible for the selective turn-on fluorescence response to water. Complex 1 exhibits high sensitive to trace amount of water in organic solvents and could be used for water detection in a wide range water contents. Take advantages of complex 1, portable sensors (complex 1@PMMA) were prepared and used in the highly sensitive water sensing.