What is astrobiology?

Abstract

Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary scientific field encompassing biology, chemistry, physics, geology, planetary science and astronomy. Scientists participating in this field are interested in trying to answer fundamental questions of life. These questions may include the search for extraterrestrial life through the discovery of primitive life forms such as bacteria or by detecting other intelligent beings in the universe. The basic premise of this research is to deepen knowledge of ourselves as human beings. Astrobiologists are required to apply a scientific approach to assessing the potential for extraterrestrial life forms and developing methods for their discovery. There are possible locations for extraterrestrial life to thrive on Mars and icy satellites. Another target in the search for life is extrasolar planets. However, we require a method to search for life outside of Earth, but based on our current knowledge of life on Earth.