![Planets capable of supporting high O2 concentrations and, hence, technological civilizations. This figure shows the likely composition of planetary atmospheres based on mass and equilibrium temperature. For planets whose temperature and mass would lead to primarily CO2/N2/H2O atmospheres, high oxygen levels require a biological origin, i.e. photosynthesis. For higher equilibrium temperatures, high O2 levels can occur via the runaway greenhouse effect and the photolysis of water vapor at high altitudes. (Figure adapted with permission from [7], Royal Society Publishing.) -- astro-ph.EP](https://i0.wp.com/astrobiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Is-oxygen-the-cosmic-key.png?resize=1200%2C717&ssl=1)
In the quest to understand the potential for life beyond Earth, researchers are widening their search to encompass not only biological markers, but also technological ones.
Science Fiction
Posted inScience Fiction, Societal Issues, Space Life Science, Status Report
Space Medicine and Art: A Chat with Star Trek’s Jess Bush and NASA Chief Medical Officer J.D. Polk
To celebrate the successful launch of our PIL-BOX in-space pharmaceutical lab, we brought together Jess Bush, who plays Nurse Chapel in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and JD Polk, NASA’s […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Press Release, Science Fiction
What Was The Earliest Mention Of Astrobiology On TV?
The earliest TV mention of #astrobiology? Apparently it was on the #StarTrek episode “Return To Tomorrow“ which first aired on 9 Feb 1968: KIRK: “Who are you?”MULHALL: “Doctor Ann Mulhall, […]
Posted inCommercial & Private Sector, Nanotechnology & SynBio, Science Fiction, Space Life Science, Status Report, Video, Audio, Webcasts, Podcasts
Video: From Science Fiction to Fact: Leveraging Space to Transform Medicine and Biotechnology on Earth
Science fiction has long been a driving force behind real-life space exploration endeavors, shaping technology, inspiring individuals, and influencing policies. This cross-cutting panel of creatives and space experts will explore […]
Posted inPress Release, Science Fiction, SETI & Technosignatures, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Application of the Thermodynamics of Radiation to Dyson Spheres as Work Extractors and Computational Engines, and their Observational Consequences
I apply the thermodynamics of radiation to Dyson spheres as machines that do work or computation, and examine their observational consequences.
Posted inPress Release, Science Fiction, SETI & Technosignatures
NASA Releases UAP Independent Study Report And Names Research Director
In response to a recommendation by an independent study team for NASA to play a more prominent role in understanding Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), the agency announced Thursday it is […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Enceladus, Science Fiction, SETI & Technosignatures, Societal Issues
Astrobiology.com On BBC Radio London
Editor’s note: On 7 July I appeared live on BBC Radio London with host Jumoké Fashola to talk about Saturn’s moon Enceladus and the possibility that it could host life. […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Cryobiology, Science Fiction, Space Physiology & Medicine, Tardigrades
A Step Toward Human Hibernation On Deep Space Missions? Induction Of A torpor-like State With Ultrasound
Editor’s note: As we start to move off-world on longer space missions, the issue of crew health, food, life support, and overall safety becomes a pressing issue. If you can […]
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Intelligence & Language, Science Fiction, SETI & Technosignatures, Status Report
Could AI be the Great Filter? What Astrobiology can Teach the Intelligence Community about Anthropogenic Risks
Where is everybody? This phrase distills the foreboding of what has come to be known as the Fermi Paradox – the disquieting idea that, if extraterrestrial life is probable in […]
Posted inExoplanets, -moons, -comets, Press Release, Science Fiction
How Tatooine Might Have Formed – Twisted Magnetic Fields
Tatooine is real. Well, sort of.