Astrobiology: Exploring Life in the Universe, Slides of Astronomy

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Astrobiology

Presented by: Abigail Atiwag

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary scientific field that explores the origin, evolution, distribution, and potential for life in the universe. It integrates knowledge and methods from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and other disciplines to study the conditions and processes that support life on Earth and potentially on other celestial bodies. Here are key topics in astrobiology:

Origin of Life Early Earth conditions : Investigations into the environmental conditions (e.g., atmosphere, oceans, volcanic activity) and geochemical processes that could have supported the formation of organic molecules and early life.

Extremophiles and Habitability Extremophiles : Organisms that thrive in extreme environments such as hot springs, acidic lakes, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, salt flats, and polar regions, providing insights into the limits of life and potential habitats on other planets.

Planetary Exploration and Astrochemistry Planetary missions : Exploration of planets, moons, asteroids, and comets to search for signs of past or present life, study planetary geology, atmosphere, and surface conditions, and assess habitability.

Planetary Exploration and Astrochemistry Astrochemistry : Study of chemical processes in space, including the formation of organic molecules, complex compounds, and prebiotic chemistry in interstellar clouds, protoplanetary disks, and comets.

Search for Extraterrestrial Life Biosignatures : Indicators of past or present life, such as biomolecules (e.g., amino acids, nucleic acids), isotopic ratios, atmospheric gases (e.g., oxygen, methane), and geological features (e.g., stromatolites, microbial mats).

Mars Exploration and Astrobiology Mars missions : Robotic missions (e.g., rovers, landers) to Mars to study its geology, climate, atmosphere, and search for evidence of past or present life, including the exploration of Martian rocks, minerals, and water ice.

Ocean Worlds and Subsurface Habitability Europa, Enceladus, Titan : Moons of Jupiter and Saturn with subsurface oceans, hydrothermal activity, and potential for habitable environments beneath icy crusts, targeted for future exploration and astrobiological investigations.

Ocean Worlds and Subsurface Habitability Subsurface life: Theoretical models, laboratory studies, and field research on subsurface environments (e.g., caves, deep-sea vents) to understand microbial ecosystems, energy sources, and survival strategies in extreme conditions.

Astrobiology and the Search for Intelligent Life Interstellar travel and colonization : Speculations and discussions on the feasibility of interstellar travel, generation ships, terraforming, and human settlement of other star systems, considering technological, ethical, and societal challenges.

Astrobiology is a dynamic and evolving field that addresses fundamental questions about life's origins, diversity, and potential in the universe. It fosters collaboration between scientists, engineers, astronomers, planetary scientists, biologists, chemists, and other experts to unravel the mysteries of life beyond Earth and expand our understanding of cosmic evolution.