Astrobiology (general) Archives

Geographic distribution of extreme environments, that can serve as planetary analogues, overlaid on a hypsometric map of the Indian subcontinent and adjoining Indian Ocean. -- Frontiers via eartharxiv.org

Analog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astrobiology (general), Away Teams & Field Reports, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Desert Worlds, Exploration Gear & Tech, Icy Worlds, Lava / magma ocean / Volcanic Worlds, Nomenclature, Systematics, Natural History, Polar / Alpine Expeditions, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography

Planetary Analog Sites In The Indian Subcontinent And The Indian Ocean: Underexplored Environments Suited For Astrobiological And Space Research

by Keith CowingFebruary 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Astrobiology seeks to understand the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the Universe, focusing on habitability beyond Earth.

Astrobiology (general), Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

The Genesis Project On The Origin Of Life Becomes A National Centre Of Competence In Research

by Keith CowingFebruary 3, 2026February 3, 2026

The Federal Council has approved funding for the “Genesis” project on the origins of life, led by ETH Zurich in collaboration with the University of Lausanne. Genesis is one of […]

Using a NASA Tricorder to scan for life signs aka biosignatures - Astrobiology.com and Grok

Astrobiology (general), Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, NASA Astrobiology Program, Status Report

The Origin, Extension, and Future of the “NASA Definition” of Life

by Keith CowingJanuary 28, 2026January 28, 2026

The “NASA definition” enjoys broad popularity among scientists, particularly in the astrobiology community: life is “a self-sustained chemical system capable of Darwinian evolution.”

Astrobiology (general), Astrochemistry, Astrogeology, Astronauts and Explorers, Missions & Hardware, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report

NASA ROSES-25 Amendment 39: Rolling Submissions Extended Through August

by Keith CowingJanuary 26, 2026January 26, 2026

Historically the new omnibus ROSES solicitation was released in February but proposals to the programs from the prior year’s ROSES that were rolling submissions (no due date) could be submitted […]

Extensions to the HZ (the orange stripe) as a function of distance between the planet and its host star (horizontal axis), and the mass of the main-sequence host (vertical axis). The blue diagonal line denotes the tidal locking radius. The light-blue ellipse represents the outward extension, while the red one, the inward extension, is for tidally locked planets. (Modified from the Figure 16 of J. F. Kasting et al. 1993.) -- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Astrobiology (general), Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Habitable Zones, Press Release

Rethinking Where Life Could Exist Beyond Earth

by Keith CowingJanuary 23, 2026

Astronomers have long searched for life within a rather narrow ring around a star, the “habitable zone,” where a planet should be neither too hot nor too cold for liquid […]

Astrobiology - Grok via Astrobiology.com

Astrobiology (general), NASA Astrobiology Program, Policy, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans

Astrobiology Mentioned In OSTP Report On Science & Technology Highlights

by Keith CowingJanuary 21, 2026January 21, 2026

There is a mention of #astrobiology in this new White House OSTP report on Science & Technology Highlights: Year One:

Logos of EANA (left, designed by Katarina Eriksson in 2015) and AbGradE (right, designed by Sean McMahon in 2014).

Astrobiology (general), Career Opportunities, Education and Outreach, Status Report

Exploring The Diversity Within EANA And AbGradE As Mirror Of The European Astrobiology Community

by Keith CowingJanuary 19, 2026January 19, 2026

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 […]

Astrobiology (general), Conferences and Meetings, Origin & Evolution of Life, Press Release

Origins Center 2026 Conference

by Keith CowingJanuary 19, 2026January 19, 2026

May 18–20, 2026 (Abdij Rolduc, Kerkrade)

Astrobiology (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

by Keith CowingJanuary 19, 2026January 20, 2026

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 […]

Astrobiology (general), Astronomy & Telescopes, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, People Of Astrobiology, Press Release, SETI & Technosignatures

SETI Institute Opens Call For Nominations For The 2026 Tarter Award

by Keith CowingJanuary 15, 2026January 15, 2026

The SETI Institute announced that nominations are now open for the 2026 Tarter Award for Innovation in the Search for Life Beyond Earth. The Tarter Award recognizes individuals whose projects […]

Astrobiology (general)

Planetary Analog Sites In The Indian Subcontinent And The Indian Ocean: Underexplored Environments Suited For Astrobiological And Space Research

The Genesis Project On The Origin Of Life Becomes A National Centre Of Competence In Research

The Origin, Extension, and Future of the “NASA Definition” of Life

NASA ROSES-25 Amendment 39: Rolling Submissions Extended Through August

Rethinking Where Life Could Exist Beyond Earth

Astrobiology Mentioned In OSTP Report On Science & Technology Highlights

Exploring The Diversity Within EANA And AbGradE As Mirror Of The European Astrobiology Community

Origins Center 2026 Conference

NASA Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES). Venus Exploration and Analysis Group (VEXAG) November 2025 Meeting

SETI Institute Opens Call For Nominations For The 2026 Tarter Award

Atmospheric Evolution Through Outgassing And Escape On Young Molten Rocky Exoplanets

The Exozodi Spectral Effect: Residual Habitable Zone Dust May Bias ExoEarth Characterization

The Majority Of Hot Jupiters Formed Beyond The Water Ice Line

Sulfur Photochemistry Observationally Traces Mantle Redox States Of Rocky Planets

Tracing The Source Of Carbon Oxides On The Large Moons Of Uranus