Astrobiology Explained

Millions of years ago when the earth was still boiling in primordial soup, could an asteroid filled with the seeds of life have struck the planet surface, causing a chain reaction to bring about the first vestiges of life on our planet? This, and many questions like this, are what astrobiologists seek to answer in their studies.

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary study of life. Scientists from the fields of biology, astronomy, and geology all contribute to the study of astrobiology; and yet there are many who refuse to recognise astrobiology as a real science. Is astrobiology an actual science? Does astrobiology fulfil a worthwhile purpose in the scientific community?

What Is Astrobiology?

The very name of astrobiology suggests that it is a science dealing with seeking and understanding life outside of our planet, life among the stars. While that certainly is a valid goal of astrobiologists, the ultimate goal is an understanding of life on Earth.

Just as astronomers, in their study of stars, exoplanets, solar systems, black holes, and dark matter all seek to better understand our own planet in its place in space and the universe by looking outward, so do astrobiologists seek to uncover the mysteries concerning the origin of life on our planet by looking for it in space.

The three major science branches that contribute astrobiology all do so by applying the same disciplines, techniques, and education used when looking at Earth to a broader playing field. Astronomy makes the easiest jump to astrobiology, as astronomers are already searching space as part of their daily work.

Adding emphasis to clues leading to possible environments and situations where life could exist starts them down the path of astrobiology.

Biologists who dabble in astrobiology are sometimes called xenobiologists. They contribute their knowledge of what is required for life to exist to the science and get an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles when considering such questions as, 'Could life live in an ammonia ocean?'

Geologists contribute their understanding of rock, soil and other earthy elements when examining meteors, asteroids and moon rocks. What looked like tunnel walls appearing on rocks from Mars, for example, could have been created by living organisms at some point in the past; these are the clues that come from geologists.

But Is Astrobiology Science?

In some countries astrobiology has taken a hit when it comes to funding. One reason why the science may be giving short shrift in comparison to others is that it isn't as universally accepted as an actual science. Many of the theories and hypotheses of astrobiology remain just that, with little to no mathematical support.

Astrobiologists look to the stars and say, "there could be some answers out there that could help us here". The problem that others see with this is that there very well may be answers relating to Earth, but then again, there may not. The universe is a big place and there are plenty of problems closer to home to focus on.

As long as there is a space program, however, astrobiology will be practiced one way or another. Scientists of many fields are not going to ignore evidence of life in outer space should they come across it.

Related Articles in the 'Astrobiology' Category...

• Finding Life Outside Our Solar System
• How to Find Planets in Other Solar Systems
• The Search for Life on Europa
• The Search for Life on Mars
• The Search for Life on Titan
• What is a Habitable World?