Astrobiology
Astrobiology
Astrobiology (pronounced: /ˌæstrəʊbaɪˈɒlədʒi/), also known as exobiology, is a branch of biology that studies the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life 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.
Etymology
The term "astrobiology" is derived from the Greek words "astron" (ἄστρον), meaning "star"; "bios" (βίος), "life"; and "logia" (λογία), "study of". It was first used in the 1950s, although the concept of life beyond Earth has been the subject of speculation and study for several centuries.
Related Terms
- Exobiology: The study of potential extraterrestrial life forms.
- Xenobiology: A hypothetical subject that covers the study of non-Earth-based life, usually in a speculative manner.
- Panspermia: The hypothesis that life exists throughout the Universe, distributed by space dust, meteoroids, asteroids, comets, planetoids, and also by spacecraft carrying unintended contamination by microorganisms.
- Astrochemistry: The study of the abundance and reactions of molecules in the Universe, and their interaction with radiation.
- Planetary Science: The scientific study of planets (including Earth), moons, and planetary systems (in particular those of the Solar System) and the processes that form them.
- Exoplanet: A planet outside our solar system, orbiting a star other than the sun.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Astrobiology
- Wikipedia's article - Astrobiology
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