Astrobiology is the study of life’s potential in the universe and the origin, evolution and history of life on Earth. It is an interdisciplinary subject that unites areas as diverse as astronomy, physics, chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, ecology, planetary science, geography and geology; and seeks to answer questions that most people and cultures have asked at some point, such as ‘what is life?’, ‘are we alone in the universe?’ and ‘what is the future of humankind?’ including the study of life origins be it through an approach involving the physical sciences or anthropological and cultural sciences; and contributes to the knowledge, skills and values of all people.
Astrobiology asks 3 questions:
How does life begin and evolve?
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe?
What is the future of life on Earth and beyond?
