Astrobiology

Astrobiology is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. It encompasses the examination of potential life forms that might exist beyond Earth, including extremophiles—organisms that thrive in extreme environments on our planet—as models for understanding how life could exist on other planets. Astrobiological research often involves studying the conditions necessary for life, such as water, organic molecules, and energy sources, as well as the search for extraterrestrial life through explorations of Mars, the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and exoplanets in distant star systems. The discipline combines aspects of biology, chemistry, astronomy, and planetary science to explore fundamental questions about life’s existence beyond Earth.