NASA’s search for extraterrestrial life spans our solar system and beyond, combining space missions with…
Browsing: Astrobiology
Astrobiology is the interdisciplinary science dedicated to exploring the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. It combines insights from astronomy, biology, chemistry, planetary science, and geology to investigate fundamental questions such as how life began on Earth, whether it exists elsewhere, and what conditions are necessary for it to thrive. From studying extreme environments on our planet to analyzing data from Mars rovers and distant exoplanets, astrobiologists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of life’s potential beyond Earth. This page highlights the latest discoveries, missions, and research in the rapidly growing field of astrobiology.
Few exoplanets have the radiation needed for oxygen-based photosynthesis. Only Kepler-442b nears Earth-like potential, while…
Earth is visible from over 2,000 nearby star systems. If aliens are watching, they might…
Aerial detection of life’s molecular signature using polarized light marks a breakthrough in biosignature science…
Chemistry is helping us figure out how life got started on Earth and is giving…
Using game theory, researchers propose focusing SETI searches on planets that can detect Earth transiting…
Researchers developed a model to assess how life might spread between planets via panspermia and…
Microbes may be the universe’s primary life form and capable of intelligent, biochemical “communication.” Researchers…
Salts Could Be Important Piece of Martian Organic Puzzle A NASA team has found that…
Upcoming Solar System exploration missions will search for extraterrestrial (ET) life, but ET life may…
NASA’s newest Mars rover is beginning to study the floor of an ancient crater that…
The Sun isn’t the only star to produce stellar flares. On April 21, 2021, a…
New observations reveal that Mars could still be volcanically active, raising the possibility for habitable…
Astronomers detected hydroxyl on WASP-33b, marking a major step in exoplanet atmospheric studies and future…
The name honors recently deceased mission scientist Rafael Navarro-González, who helped lead the team that…
New research suggests that rocks in the Martian crust could produce the same kind of…
Telescope launching this autumn could spot biosignatures on other planets within three days. Research shows…
Oxygen in the atmosphere may not be an entirely reliable ‘biosignature,’ but there are ways…