The Science of Astrobiology

Is there scientific evidence for alien life in the universe? Popular culture conditions us to believe in aliens

Astrobiology is interdisciplinary Astronomy and the laws of physics give us cosmic context Stars show us that chemistry is universal Planetary science tells us about number of

hospitable worlds Biology informs us about life processes Geology tells us how the environment acts to

shape evolution Sociology and anthropology role of

intelligence and technology

Evidence that Biology may be common in the universe Evidence that organic molecules form easily

and naturally Evidence that Earth life can survive under a

wide range of conditions Evidence that life appeared clearly in the history of the Earth Evidence that planet and moon habitable locations are abundant Evidence that ingredients for life are widely available in time and space

Where Should We Look? Find habitable planets around sun-like stars

o “habitable” is a slippery word what does it really mean? Explore the potential sites for life in the solar system Explore the full range of life on Earth itself Listen and send signals to locate and forms of life with technology

Astrobiology is FAST-MOVING!!!!

The People Chris Impey: professor of Astronomy Elisa Chisara: Ph. D. graduate candidate in astrophysics Rachael Alexander: undergraduate senior, majoring in astrophysics Neta Bahcall: professor and director of the under graduate program