01-15-2013, 12:08 PM
How the life originated and evolved? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? What is the future of life on Earth and on other planets? These three fundamental issues define well area of interest of a new young interdisciplinary science called astrobiology. Earth is the only place in the universe known to harbor life.However, recent advances in planetary science have changed fundamental assumptions about the possibility of life in the universe, raising the estimates of habitable zones around other stars and the search for extraterrestrial microbial life.
Biotechnology discoveries may, in the near future, become very important for the development of astrobiology.
The Establishment of Astrobiology
Astrobiology explores life as a planetary phenomenon in order to understand the fundamental nature of life on Earth and possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Astrobiology makes use of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, geography, and geology to investigate the possibility of life on other worlds and help recognize biospheres that might be different from the biosphere on Earth. In recent years, a great amount of new data about extra solar planets and small bodies within our solar system are gathered, which has significantly increased our understanding of the origin and evolution of planets. Most astronomy-related astrobiological research falls into the category of extrasolar planet (exoplanet) detection, the hypothesis being that if life arose on Earth, then it could also arise on other planets with similar characteristics. After having established the NASA Astrobiology Institute - NAI 1998 yerar, astrobiology has become a formal science branch. The creation of this institute stemmed from the growing interest of NASA for planet Mars, the nearest planet that potentially has suitable properties that can support life.
Groundbreaking event was probably the discovery of Antarctic meteorite ALH84001 1996 year, originating from Mars, where they allegedly found microfossils of extraterrestrial life. NAI works as a virtual institute and currently comprises twelve U.S. research teams with over 700 scientists. Nearly a decade after its founding, NAI entered the crisis period (in the last two years, NASA astrobiology cut funding by 50%). The focus of research is shifting to other institutions, mostly European.
Research centers for astrobiology now exist around the world, such as the Centro de Astrobiologia in Spain and the Groupement de Recherche en Exobiologie in France, the Australian Centre for Astrobiology, Astrobiology Society of Britain and the European Exo / Astrobiology Network Association. Also, many reputable universities are giving the offer to study astrobiology classes. Strategy plan for astrobiology research is presented through seven primary scientific objectives.
Scientific Objectives of Astrobiology
1. To understand the nature of the environment suitable for life, and its distribution in space is the main component of this objective of modeling of planets suitable for life. For previously mentioned small bodies in the solar system, which are considered to be the remains which have failed to form planets, astrobiology is important for two reasons: to create a theoretical model of the origin and development of habitable planets, and the collisions with the early Earth that have significantly impacted chemical composition of the future biosphere on Earth. Another important component of the first objective is to directly and indirectly observe extra solar planets suitable for life. Up to now, more than 200 planets outside our solar system have been discovered. Very recently, the first extra solar planet similar to Earth is discovered. Researcher Dijana Dominis Prester Took a great part in this remarkable discovery.
2. To investigate former or current environment and signs of life outside of the the solar system. Still, first task is exploring Mars, and then the rest of the solar system and planets and other bodies beyond it.
3. To get the grasp on how the life sprang from cosmic and planetary precursor example, how they were created and developed out of the biomolecules.
4. To understand how the early life on Earth adapted to early global changes, for example, how the complex organisms developed from simple forms in early biosphere environment.
5. To understanding the mechanisms of evolutionary constraints imposed by the environment. This goal is especially the matter of molecular evolution of organisms and their adaptation to the extreme conditions of the environment. Biologists cannot say that a process or phenomenon, by being mathematically possible, have to exist forcibly in the real nature. On the Earth have so far been discovered many extremophilles, microorganisms that live in extreme environments (from our viewpoint) temperature, pressure and acidity. Characterization of these organisms, their environments and their evolutionary pathways, is considered a crucial component to understanding how life might evolve elsewhere in the universe.
6. To get the grasp on the principles that will shape the future life on Earth and beyond. The emphasis is on living organisms that can adapt to extraterrestrial life conditions. For example, space biology explores the impact of space flight on living organisms. Today, it is part of astrobiology although it was developed much earlier.
7. To determine how to identify signs of life on other planets. The methane gas was recently found in the atmosphere of Mars. Given that methane in atmospheric conditions on Mars is not stable over time, there must be a constant source of it. It could be volcanic activity or an important sign of the presence of viable microorganisms. Active volcanoes on Mars, however, have not yet been observed.
Still Without Evidence
Until today, there was no reliable confirmation of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Similarly, no evidence was found that intelligent aliens ever visited Earth. I emphasize that I pointed out the difference between the science of astrobiology and the search for understanding of Hollywood aliens. The true goal of astrobiology is not looking for ET. The goal is to create the preconditions for the expansion of humanity beyond the planet Earth, which sooner or later must happen, probably long before Earth ceases to be suitable for life. Appeal to young readers to overgrow pulp-literature and naive stories of visitors from Sirius, but to pay attention to real scientific discoveries that can really change our future. In this sense, I recommend two excellent books that emphasize the importance of critical thinking, fighting the misconception and deception: Sagan’s Demon-Haunted World, and Dawkins' book A Devil's Chaplain.
Biotechnology discoveries may, in the near future, become very important for the development of astrobiology.
The Establishment of Astrobiology
Astrobiology explores life as a planetary phenomenon in order to understand the fundamental nature of life on Earth and possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Astrobiology makes use of physics, chemistry, astronomy, biology, molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, geography, and geology to investigate the possibility of life on other worlds and help recognize biospheres that might be different from the biosphere on Earth. In recent years, a great amount of new data about extra solar planets and small bodies within our solar system are gathered, which has significantly increased our understanding of the origin and evolution of planets. Most astronomy-related astrobiological research falls into the category of extrasolar planet (exoplanet) detection, the hypothesis being that if life arose on Earth, then it could also arise on other planets with similar characteristics. After having established the NASA Astrobiology Institute - NAI 1998 yerar, astrobiology has become a formal science branch. The creation of this institute stemmed from the growing interest of NASA for planet Mars, the nearest planet that potentially has suitable properties that can support life.
Groundbreaking event was probably the discovery of Antarctic meteorite ALH84001 1996 year, originating from Mars, where they allegedly found microfossils of extraterrestrial life. NAI works as a virtual institute and currently comprises twelve U.S. research teams with over 700 scientists. Nearly a decade after its founding, NAI entered the crisis period (in the last two years, NASA astrobiology cut funding by 50%). The focus of research is shifting to other institutions, mostly European.
Research centers for astrobiology now exist around the world, such as the Centro de Astrobiologia in Spain and the Groupement de Recherche en Exobiologie in France, the Australian Centre for Astrobiology, Astrobiology Society of Britain and the European Exo / Astrobiology Network Association. Also, many reputable universities are giving the offer to study astrobiology classes. Strategy plan for astrobiology research is presented through seven primary scientific objectives.
Scientific Objectives of Astrobiology
1. To understand the nature of the environment suitable for life, and its distribution in space is the main component of this objective of modeling of planets suitable for life. For previously mentioned small bodies in the solar system, which are considered to be the remains which have failed to form planets, astrobiology is important for two reasons: to create a theoretical model of the origin and development of habitable planets, and the collisions with the early Earth that have significantly impacted chemical composition of the future biosphere on Earth. Another important component of the first objective is to directly and indirectly observe extra solar planets suitable for life. Up to now, more than 200 planets outside our solar system have been discovered. Very recently, the first extra solar planet similar to Earth is discovered. Researcher Dijana Dominis Prester Took a great part in this remarkable discovery.
2. To investigate former or current environment and signs of life outside of the the solar system. Still, first task is exploring Mars, and then the rest of the solar system and planets and other bodies beyond it.
3. To get the grasp on how the life sprang from cosmic and planetary precursor example, how they were created and developed out of the biomolecules.
4. To understand how the early life on Earth adapted to early global changes, for example, how the complex organisms developed from simple forms in early biosphere environment.
5. To understanding the mechanisms of evolutionary constraints imposed by the environment. This goal is especially the matter of molecular evolution of organisms and their adaptation to the extreme conditions of the environment. Biologists cannot say that a process or phenomenon, by being mathematically possible, have to exist forcibly in the real nature. On the Earth have so far been discovered many extremophilles, microorganisms that live in extreme environments (from our viewpoint) temperature, pressure and acidity. Characterization of these organisms, their environments and their evolutionary pathways, is considered a crucial component to understanding how life might evolve elsewhere in the universe.
6. To get the grasp on the principles that will shape the future life on Earth and beyond. The emphasis is on living organisms that can adapt to extraterrestrial life conditions. For example, space biology explores the impact of space flight on living organisms. Today, it is part of astrobiology although it was developed much earlier.
7. To determine how to identify signs of life on other planets. The methane gas was recently found in the atmosphere of Mars. Given that methane in atmospheric conditions on Mars is not stable over time, there must be a constant source of it. It could be volcanic activity or an important sign of the presence of viable microorganisms. Active volcanoes on Mars, however, have not yet been observed.
Still Without Evidence
Until today, there was no reliable confirmation of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Similarly, no evidence was found that intelligent aliens ever visited Earth. I emphasize that I pointed out the difference between the science of astrobiology and the search for understanding of Hollywood aliens. The true goal of astrobiology is not looking for ET. The goal is to create the preconditions for the expansion of humanity beyond the planet Earth, which sooner or later must happen, probably long before Earth ceases to be suitable for life. Appeal to young readers to overgrow pulp-literature and naive stories of visitors from Sirius, but to pay attention to real scientific discoveries that can really change our future. In this sense, I recommend two excellent books that emphasize the importance of critical thinking, fighting the misconception and deception: Sagan’s Demon-Haunted World, and Dawkins' book A Devil's Chaplain.
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