Extraterrestrial life/Astrobiology

Department of Astrobiology

Astrobiology (or exobiology) is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. Earth is the only place in the universe known to harbour life. However, advancements in the fields of astrobiology, observational astronomy and discovery of large varieties of extremophiles with extraordinary capability to thrive in the harshest environments on Earth, have led to speculation that life may possibly be thriving on many of the extraterrestrial bodies in the universe. This interdisciplinary field encompasses the search for habitable environments in our Solar System and habitable planets outside our Solar System, the search for evidence of prebiotic chemistry, laboratory and field research into the origins and early evolution of life on Earth, and studies of the potential for life to adapt to challenges on Earth and in outer space.[2]

This discipline could include •  Astrophysics •  Astropaleontology •  Bioastronomy •  Cosmochemistry •  Ecogenomics •  Exobiology •  Extremophiles •  Geomicrobiology •  Gravitational biology •  Life detection technology •  Meteoritics •  Origins of life •  Planetary geoscience •  Planetary protection •  Prebiotic chemistry •  Space exploration technology •  Terraforming

Journals
 * Astrobiology
 * International Journal of Astrobiology

Theoretical Related Approaches
 * Astrosociobiology