For centuries, humans have asked questions such as:
Where did we come from?
Are we alone?
Whither are we going?
Why am I here?
If you have ever asked yourself any of those questions in any form, you may be a budding astrobiologist.
Throughout history, famous philosophers have asked themselves the big questions listed above, but there has never been an adequate way to empirically address them — until now.
Astrobiology is a growing field that is garnering more and more support. Private organizations, such as the Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and the Mars Society, host communities of scientists exploring questions related to the origins of life and the future of life in space. NASA has a division dedicated to astrobiological research, and conferences like AbGradCon are popping up to grow the field of astrobiology.
So, what is it exactly?
Astrobiology addresses questions about the origin of life, life in the universe, and the future of life in space and on Earth. It encompasses every subdivision of science and tests the imagination to think about life from different perspectives.
Whether you are a geologist, chemist, biologist, astronomer, mathematician, physicist, or philosopher, there is a need for you in the field of astrobiology.
Though previously studied separately, it is the collaboration among all these disciplines that will move astrobiology further. Institutions such as the Earth-Life Science Institute in Tokyo, Japan have recognized this need and intentionally seek interdisciplinary collaborations. From the formation of planets to the bacteria in hot springs, every detail is important.
So, if you are curious about if humans could survive on Mars or why Earth is the only planet we know of that has life, you may want to look into astrobiology.
To get started, give this episode of Fall Asleep to Science a listen, then go look into the organizations I mentioned. Let me know what you discover!
How did you hear about astrobiology? What do you want to know?
Do you know of other organizations that research astrobiology?
Share your knowledge here, or consider subscribing to help the community of astrobiology grow!
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