Overview of Astrobiology
What is Astrobiology?
Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.
What is the primary condition for habitability?
Water
What is Panspermia?
Idea that life may have originated on one planet and then spread to others through meteoroids, asteroids, or other forms of interplanetary transfer
What is evolution
The process by which organisms change over time through natural selection
What are extremophiles?
Extremophiles are organisms that are capable of thriving in extreme environments that are typically considered uninhabitable for life.
What are the different fields involved in Astrobiology? (at least 3)
Biology, Astronomy, Geology, Chemistry, Planetary science
What are 2 things you learned?
Anything
What is the bubble theory?
Life may have originated within bubbles formed by the interaction of lipids and water, providing a protective environment for the formation of early life molecules.
Name 2 Astrobiology evolutionary theories
Clay thoery, Miller- Urey experiment, RNA theory, Iron-sulfer world theory, Bubble theory
What is one example of a extremophile?
Waterbears, fungi, archae, bacteria
What does Astrobiology seek to understand?
What are the conditions for habitability?
How do we detect life beyond earth?
Can there be life that is not based on carbon molecules?
What are biosignatures?
Help in detecting life through the presence of certain molecules or isotopes, unusual ratios of gases in an atmosphere, or even patterns in rock formations
What is the Iron-sulfur world theory
Life may have originated at hydrothermal vents that were rich in iron and sulfur, with mineral catalysts driving the formation of complex organic molecules.
Why does Astrobiology use Evolutionary theory?
To understand how life may have originated and adapted to an environment
How do Extremophiles help with Astrobiology?
By studying extremophiles, scientists can learn about the limits of extreme conditions on life and the adaptations that enable organisms to survive in extreme environments.
Why is Astrobiology important?
Understanding the origins and evolution of life, Expanding our understanding of the universe, Advancing our technological capabilities, learn more about our search for extraterrestrial life
What are 2 moons that could possibly have life?
Europa and Enclaedus
If there are organisms that are not based on carbon than they are said to have?
Alternate biochemistry
How might astrobiologists use Evolutionary theory with extremophiles
They can see how extremophiles have adapted to their environment and use that to study how life could adapt on exoplanets
What are examples of conditions faced by extremophiles?
High radiation, low pressure, and lack of oxygen.
What did the Viking Mission do?
They were the first to search for signs of life on another planet.
What is the dragonfly mission?
A mission by NASA to explore Saturn's moon Titan using a quadcopter drone, with the goal of studying the moon's complex chemistry and potential for life.
What is the Miller-Urey experiment?
It simulated the conditions of the early Earth, produced amino acids and other organic compounds that are key building blocks of life
What are examples of where extremophiles are found?
Deep sea hydrothermal vents, polar regions, acidic hot springs, and salt flats