- "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 origins, distribution, and evolution of life in the universe, including the potential for life on other planets and moons.
Astronomical objects: This topic encompasses the study of stars, planets, moons, comets, asteroids, and other celestial bodies in space.
Solar system formation: This topic covers the theories and models of how the solar system formed, including the role of gravity and the properties of the early solar system.
Planetary geology: This topic includes studying the physical properties and processes that shape the surfaces of planets and moons, such as volcanoes, impacts, erosion, and weathering.
Habitability: This topic examines the conditions necessary for life to exist and the potential for life in our solar system and beyond, including the search for biosignatures.
Astrochemistry: This topic deals with the chemical composition of celestial objects, including the formation and evolution of organic compounds and their role in the origin of life.
Planetary atmospheres: This topic studies the physical and chemical properties of planetary atmospheres and their evolution over time.
Astrobiology instruments and techniques: This topic covers the instruments and techniques used to study astrobiology, including remote sensing, spacecraft missions, and laboratory experiments.
Exoplanets: This topic explores the diversity of planetary systems beyond our solar system, including the discovery and characterization of exoplanets and their potential for habitability.
Planetary protection: This topic focuses on the policies and practices to prevent contamination of other worlds from Earth and vice versa.
Origins of life: This topic investigates the chemical and physical conditions that led to the origin of life on Earth and the potential for life elsewhere in the universe.
Astrobiology education and outreach: This topic involves the development of educational programs and public outreach initiatives to promote the study of astrobiology and increase public awareness and understanding of its importance.
Exobiology: This field attempts to understand the origin, distribution, and evolution of life in the universe.
Planetary Geology: The study of the geology and geological processes of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
Astrochemistry: The study of chemical processes in space, including the formation and evolution of molecules and their interactions.
Planetary Atmospheres: The study of the atmospheres of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
Astroecology: The study of the relationships between organisms and their environments in space.
Planetary Magnetism: The study of planetary magnetic fields and their effects.
Planetary Seismology: The study of seismic waves traveling through planets and their interiors.
Astrobiogeology: A combination of geology and biology, this field focuses on the study of past, present, and potential habitats for life in the universe.
Planetary Astrobiology: A holistic approach that includes the interdisciplinary study of astronomy, astrophysics, geology, and biology to understand the origin, evolution, and distribution of life in the universe.
Exogeology: The study of the geological processes on other planets, moons, and asteroids.
Planetary Aeronomy: The study of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
Astrogeophysics: The study of the interactions between outer space and the interior and exterior of planets.
Cosmochemistry: The study of the chemical composition and history of the universe.
Origin of life studies: The study of how and when life began on Earth, and the possibility of life on other planets.
Planetary Paleontology: The study of history of life on different planets, based on fossils and other evidence.
Comparative Planetology: It is the study of planets, moons and other bodies in our solar system to understand the processes that shaped them and how they interact with one another.
Planetary Astrochemistry: The study of the chemistry of planets, moons, comets, and other bodies in the solar system to understand chemical processes in space.
Astrobiology Instrumentation: The development of instruments to detect life, habitable environments, and biosignatures on other planets.
Habitability Studies: The study of conditions necessary for life, like water, radiation, temperature, etc., and the search for environments with those conditions.
Lunar and Martian Exploration: The study of our closest celestial neighbors, the Moon and Mars, to understand their geology, history, and potential for hosting life.
- "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."