We search for circular polarization in the spectrum of the earthshine as induced by chiral 
molecules of living material on the surface of the Earth  at the VLT. Biotic material with 
its helical molecular structure is known to produce circular polarization of reflected light 
up to levels of a few percent, thus in the range of detectability of  FORS1. 
Organic material on Earth is abundant, but its detectability using astronomical remote 
sensing techniques, e.g. through the Vegetation Red Edge,  is difficult, and not undisputed. 
Our experiment is a benchmark required for future attempts to detect biotic material on 
other astronomical objects.