How does NASA prepare to explore the Moon, Mars and Ocean Worlds? For scientists like Bethany Theiling, it starts by venturing into Earth’s most extreme spots.
NASA Astrobiology Program
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biosignatures & Paleobiology, NASA Astrobiology Program, SETI & Technosignatures, Status Report
Responsible Discovery in Astrobiology: Lessons from Four Controversial Claims
This paper examines four case studies of life-detection claims in astrobiology, covering both biosignatures and technosignatures: the 1877 “canals” on Mars, the 1976 Mars Viking landers experiments, the 2020 phosphine […]
Posted inNASA Astrobiology Program, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
NASA SMD: Resetting ROSES Due Dates After the Government Shutdown
To the NASA Science Community, Now that NASA SMD has returned to normal operations, we are working to reset the proposal deadlines for ROSES-25 programs that were impacted by the […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Career Opportunities, Education and Outreach, NASA Astrobiology Program, Science Fiction, Societal Issues, Status Report
Birdy X AbGradCon 2025
Editor’s note: from the issue 138.5 special edition of Birdy Magazine: “We are proud and honored to collaborate with Birdy Magazine on this science-meets-art issue, created as part of the […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Astrobiology (general), Away Teams & Field Reports, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Exploration Gear & Tech, Habitable Zones, Imaging & Spectroscopy, NASA Astrobiology Program, Status Report, Tricorders & Sensors
Tricorder Tech: The Design of a Bioinspired Integrated Total Habitability Instrument for Planetary Exploration: A Review of Potential Sensing Technologies
One key objective of astrobiology is to investigate and discover if other planetary bodies are habitable.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Conferences and Meetings, NASA Astrobiology Program, Status Report
Astrobiology Science Conference AbSciCon 2026 Call For Abstract Proposals
Madison, WI May 17-22, 2026
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Education and Outreach, NASA Astrobiology Program, Reports, Roadmaps, & Plans, Status Report
Communicating Discoveries In The Search For Life In The Universe Workshop Report
The potential discovery of life beyond Earth presents unique communication challenges for astrobiology. These include ambiguous data, public misconceptions, and the dynamics of social media platforms.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), NASA Astrobiology Program, People Of Astrobiology, Press Release, SETI & Technosignatures
SETI Pioneer Jill Tarter Awarded Fellows Medal by California Academy of Sciences
The SETI Institute announced today that the California Academy of Sciences has awarded its highest honor, the Fellows Medal, to Dr. Jill Tarter, SETI Institute co-founder and Bernard M. Oliver […]
Posted inCareer Opportunities, Conferences and Meetings, NASA Astrobiology Program, Status Report, Video, Audio, Webcasts, Podcasts
Inside NASA Missions: Roles, Paths, and Advice for ECRs – Virtual Panel
Join us for a panel discussion with scientists and engineers from current NASA missions as they share how they got involved, what roles exist on mission teams, and how early […]
Posted inMissions & Hardware, NASA Astrobiology Program, People Of Astrobiology, Status Report
NASA JPL Layoffs Announced
Editor’s note: A message from JPL Director Dave Gallagher announced a JPL layoff of 550 people.