Viruses are among the simplest biological entities capable of replication. Their robustness and adaptability make them relevant not only to terrestrial ecosystems but also to astrobiological exploration.
2026
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Extinction events, Fossils & Paleontology, Status Report
Mass Extinction Coincided With Expanded Continental Margin Euxinia During the Cambrian Age 4
Earth’s biosphere witnessed the first major extinction event in the Phanerozoic during the Cambrian Age 4, with a genera loss up to ∼45%. The traditional view suggested that marine anoxia […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Career Opportunities, Education and Outreach, Status Report
Exploring The Diversity Within EANA And AbGradE As Mirror Of The European Astrobiology Community
Since its foundation in 2001, EANA (European Astrobiology Network Association, http://www.eana-net.eu/) has organized annual meetings to foster and strengthen the astrobiology community within Europe. The growth of the European astrobiology […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Conferences and Meetings, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release
Origins Center 2026 Conference
May 18–20, 2026 (Abdij Rolduc, Kerkrade)
Posted inAstrobiology (general), NASA Astrobiology Program, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES). Venus Exploration and Analysis Group (VEXAG) November 2025 Meeting
Introduction: NASA sponsored Astrobiology research focuses on three basic questions: How does life begin and evolve? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? How do we search for life in […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Cryobiology, Dale Andersen's Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Microbiology & Virology, People Of Astrobiology, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Sample Return, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Dale Andersen’s Astrobiology Antarctic Status Report: 18 January 2026: Lake Untersee Base Camp Is Operational
Keith: We just completed the camp last night, and today a storm will move in with 50 mph winds (more?) and perhaps some snow. Should provide a quick test of […]
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Habitable Zones, Status Report
Stellar Control On Atmospheric Carbon Chemistry, CO Runaway, And Organic Synthesis On Lifeless Earth-like planets
The abundances of atmospheric carbon species–carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4)–exert fundamental controls on the climate, redox state, and prebiotic environment of terrestrial planets.
Posted inPress Release
NASA Goddard Instrument Field Team at Long Valley Caldera
Editor’s note: This blog entry is adapted from NASA social media content originally published September 12-15, 2023.
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Plant Biology, Press Release
Lichen Paved The Way For Plants And Animals To Thrive On Earth
Lichens were already widespread over 410 million years ago, according to a new international study which identifies a fossil from Brazil as one of the oldest lichen in Earth’s history.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Habitable Zones, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Setting Up The Physical Principles Of Resilience In A Model Of The Earth System
Resilience is a property of social, ecological, social-ecological and biophysical systems. It describes the capacity of a system to cope with, adapt to and innovate in response to a changing […]