- "Astrobiology is a scientific field within the life and environmental sciences that studies the origins, early evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe by investigating its deterministic conditions and contingent events."
The study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life and planetary systems in the universe, including astrochemistry, astrogeology, and exoplanet research.
Astronomy and Astrophysics: Study of celestial objects, including planets, stars, galaxies, and their properties, physics, and evolution.
Planetary Science: Study of the geology, atmosphere, and composition of planets, moons, and other objects in the solar system and beyond.
Astrobiology: Study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe, including the search for habitable environments.
Exoplanetary Science: Study of planets outside our solar system, including their detection, properties, and potential habitability.
Astrochemistry: Study of the chemical processes and reactions that occur in space, including the development of complex organic molecules and the formation of planets.
Astrogeology: Study of the geological processes and features of planets, moons, and other objects in the solar system and beyond.
Astroinformatics: Use of computer science and data analysis techniques to explore and understand astronomical and planetary data.
Space Exploration: Investigation and exploration of space using rockets, spacecraft, and other technologies, including the study of the solar system and other galaxies.
Astroengineering: Design and development of technologies and systems for space exploration and planetary science missions, including spacecraft, rovers, and instrumentation.
Cosmology: Study of the origins, evolution, and structure of the universe, including the nature of dark matter and dark energy.
Geobiology: Study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment, including the evolution of life on Earth and the potential for life on other planets.
Planetary Defense: Study of methods for detecting and preventing potential collisions between Earth and asteroids or other celestial objects.
Meteors and Meteorites: Study of the origins, composition, and impact of meteoroids and meteorites on Earth and other planets.
Astrobiology Ethics: Discussion of ethical considerations related to astrobiology and space exploration, including the protection of planetary environments and the potential impact of life detection missions on society.
Astrobiology History: Overview of the history of astrobiology, including the development of the field, major discoveries and breakthroughs, and current research trends.
Planetary geology: This examines the physical and chemical properties of planets, moons, asteroids and other planetary bodies. It investigates the processes that shape their surfaces, including volcanic activity, impact cratering, and tectonic activity.
Astrochemistry: It studies the chemical composition of the universe, including the origin and distribution of elements, molecules, and compounds in space, and the chemical reactions that form and transform them.
Astrobiology: It is an interdisciplinary field that explores the potential for life beyond Earth, including the search for habitable planets, the study of microbial life in extreme environments, and the investigation of the origins of life on Earth.
Exoplanetology: It is the study of planets outside our solar system. It involves the discovery, characterization, and classification of exoplanets, as well as the investigation of their atmospheres, climates, and habitability.
Helioseismology: It investigates the structure and dynamics of the Sun's interior by analyzing the oscillations of its surface. This helps us to better understand the Sun's magnetic field and its impact on space weather.
Astrostatistics: It involves the development of statistical methods for analyzing large datasets in astronomy and planetary sciences. This is particularly important for detecting and characterizing exoplanets and identifying patterns in large-scale cosmic structures.
Astroinformatics: It focuses on the development and application of computer science and information technology to the field of astronomy and planetary sciences. This includes the management and analysis of large datasets, simulation and modeling of astronomical phenomena, and the development of astronomical software and tools.
Astrobiology & Societal Issues: This area explores the societal implications of astrobiology and how it may change our understanding of life and the cosmos. It includes the investigation of ethical and philosophical issues, as well as the communication of astrobiology research to the broader public.
- "Astrobiology is founded on the premise that life may exist beyond Earth."
- "Research in astrobiology comprises three main areas: the study of habitable environments in the Solar System and beyond, the search for planetary biosignatures of past or present extraterrestrial life, and the study of the origin and early evolution of life on Earth."
- "The field of astrobiology has its origins in the 20th century with the advent of space exploration and the discovery of exoplanets."
- "Early astrobiology research focused on the search for extraterrestrial life and the study of the potential for life to exist on other planets."
- "In the 1960s and 1970s, NASA began its astrobiology pursuits within the Viking program, which was the first US mission to land on Mars and search for signs of life."
- "Regarding habitable environments, astrobiology investigates potential locations beyond Earth that could support life, such as Mars, Europa, and exoplanets, through research into the extremophiles populating austere environments on Earth."
- "Research within this topic is conducted utilizing the methodology of the geosciences, especially geobiology, for astrobiological applications."
- "The search for biosignatures involves the identification of signs of past or present life in the form of organic compounds, isotopic ratios, or microbial fossils."
- "Research within this topic is conducted utilizing the methodology of planetary and environmental science, especially atmospheric science, for astrobiological applications, and is often conducted through remote sensing and in situ missions."
- "Astrobiology also concerns the study of the origin and early evolution of life on Earth to try to understand the conditions that are necessary for life to form on other planets."
- "Research within this topic is conducted utilizing the methodology of paleosciences, especially paleobiology, for astrobiological applications."
- "Astrobiology is a rapidly developing field with a strong interdisciplinary aspect that holds many challenges and opportunities for scientists."
- "Astrobiology programs and research centers are present in many universities and research institutions around the world, and space agencies like NASA and ESA have dedicated departments and programs for astrobiology research."