Astrobiology (often used synonymously with exobiology) is the study of life in the universe, and includes the study of the evolution of life, the chemistry that leads to the formation of life, and the possibility that life has evolved or may evolve on other planets. 

In broad terms, astrobiologists seek to answer three questions.

1. How does life begin and evolve?
2. Is there life on other planets?
3. What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?

Two places in our solar system are particularly interesting:  Mars and Europa (one of Jupiter's moons).  Both of these "planets" have environments that may have once supported life or may even presently support life in places we cannot see.  And if life has evolved on other worlds, did it also evolve intelligence?

Since visits to other worlds are limited (so far) to robotic probes and are very expensive, much astrobiological research is based on extreme environments on Earth.  Antarctica has been used as an analog for Mars, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents ecosystems have been proposed as analogs for possible ecosystems on Europa.

Related to astrobiology is the study of ecopoesis and terraformation (collectively called planetary engineering).  Ecopoesis is the creation of an ecosystem on a previously lifeless world.  Terraformation is the changing of a world to make it Earth-like.  Again, Mars is usually the target of these studies.  If Mars does not currently support life, could it be made to do so?

This site is maintained by David J. Thomas, Ph.D.  Do you know of a link that should be on these pages?  Do you have comments, concerns, compliments, criticisms, problems, etc.?  Send e-mail to dthomas@lyon.edu.