[Astrobiology via PubMed] The ambiguity of the Viking lander life-detection experiments left microbiology and microbial ecology out of space missions for 50 years. However, this was largely because the scientific […]
Viking
Posted inBiosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Habitable Zones, Mars, Planetary Protection & Biosafety, Press Release
Pathogens Survive Conditions On Extraterrestrial Locations
Micro organisms from our planet could survive on celestial bodies where water is present, such as Mars. That is the conclusion of PhD candidate Tommaso Zaccaria after experiments with simulated […]
Posted inCareer Opportunities, Conferences and Meetings, Education and Outreach, NASA Astrobiology Program, People Of Astrobiology, Status Report
Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund Spring 2026 Travel Grant Announced
The Gerald A. Soffen Memorial Fund is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 Travel Grant application opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing studies in fields of space science and […]
Posted inAnalog Studies, Arctic / Antarctic / Alpine, Astrogeology, Atmospheres, Climate, Weather, Caves, Craters, Mountains, Subsurface, Lava Tubes, Desert Worlds, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
Volcanic Ash Creeps Across Mars – The View From Orbit
Noticeable change on Mars often takes millions of years – but the European Space Agency’s Mars Express has captured a blanket of dark ash creeping across the planet in just […]
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Exploration Gear & Tech, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs
NASA Tests Future Mars Droids In Death Valley
Next-generation drone flight software is just one of 25 technologies for the Red Planet that the space agency funded for development this year.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Fossils & Paleontology, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
Habitable From The Start: How Initial Planetary Formation Conditions May Create Habitable Worlds
The breadth of topics that encompass the search for life has expanded and evolved significantly since the emergence of the field of astrobiology.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Desert Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release
Raging Winds On Mars
Despite the very thin Martian atmosphere, there are also winds on Mars that are central to the climate and the distribution of dust.
Posted inAstrobiology (general), Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Mars, People Of Astrobiology, Status Report
Carl Woese, Dick Young, And The Roots Of Astrobiology
The beginning of the space age in the late 1950s gave rise to innovative and interdisciplinary research concepts and perspectives, including the concept of “exobiology” as a way to approach […]
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mapping, Geodesy, Cartography, Bathymetry, Mars, Press Release
Global Color Image Dataset And Map Of Mars by Tianwen-1
Remote-sensing images of Mars contain rich information about its surface morphology, topography, and geological structure. These data are fundamental for scientific research and exploration missions of Mars.
Posted inMars
Perchlorate Radiolysis on Mars
Astrobiologists supported by the Exobiology element of NASA’s Astrobiology Program have provided new information about the survival of biosignatures on Mars. Their study also provides new insight into data from […]