Astrobiologists

Astrobiologists are scientists who study the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. The field combines astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and planetary science to understand how life arises, where it might exist, and how it could be detected. Researchers explore life on Earth as a model, the potential for life on other planets and moons, and the conditions that could support life in different environments.

Core questions include planetary habitability, the possible biosignatures of life, the plausibility of life in extreme environments, and the origins of life on Earth as a guide to life elsewhere. Methods include observations of exoplanets and solar-system bodies, laboratory simulations of early Earth conditions, experiments with extremophiles, prebiotic chemistry, computer models, and the analysis of atmospheric spectra for biosignatures. They also study planetary protection and the effects of space travel on biology.

History of the field. Modern astrobiology emerged in the late 20th century with NASA and international programs dedicated to exobiology, exoplanet discovery, and life-detection experiments. Notable milestones include Viking missions, the discovery of exoplanets, and advances in extremophile biology and synthetic biology.

Education and career. Astrobiologists typically hold advanced degrees in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, or planetary science and work in universities, space agencies, research institutes, and museums. The field is highly interdisciplinary.

Organizations and publications. Research is conducted worldwide under NASA's Astrobiology Program and similar initiatives by ESA and other agencies. The core scholarly outlets include the journals Astrobiology, Origins of Life and Evolution of Biospheres, and related planetary science journals.