The Search for Life: An Introduction to Astrobiology

The Search for Life: An Introduction to Astrobiology
Fathom

Seminar Introduction

NASA/JPL/Caltech

The question of whether we are alone in our universe has fascinated humanity since the earliest of times. Stories of mysterious beings from the sky permeate the mythology of many cultures and make a regular appearance in fiction, while the number of UFO sightings continues to rise. Yet aside from the myths and sensationalism, the study of astrobiology--the search for life elsewhere in the universe--has become widely accepted as a valid and important area of research. Astrobiology encompasses cosmology, astrophysics, planetary science, palaeontology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, genetics and anthropology. Monica Grady, head of petrology and meteoritics in the department of mineralogy at the Natural History Museum, presents a comprehensive introduction to astrobiology.

This course starts at the very beginning with the Big Bang, when the universe was formed. Dr Grady explores our own planet with a look at how life first came about and the range of environments in which it has adapted to survive. Studying organisms that live in the most extreme and inhospitable habitats provides a guide to the limits of life on other planets. Dr Grady moves on to explore places in our solar system where life might be found, before heading out into space to examine the possibilities for life in our galaxy and beyond.

Learning Objectives

Describe how planet Earth was formed and why it is special.
Explain why asteroids and comets were essential for the origin of life.
Suggest how, where and when life on Earth began.
Define the types of organisms that exist in inhospitable and extreme environments.
Identify the range of extreme environments to which living organisms have adapted to survive.
Suggest where in the solar system life might exist.
Identify what features indicate the possible existence of life elsewhere in the universe.

Sessions

Session 1	The Big Bang
Session 2	The Evolution of Life
Session 3	The Limits to Life
Session 4	Where on Earth is Life Now?
Session 5	Life on Other Planets
Session 6	Life Beyond the Solar System
Contributors

Credits

Technical Requirements

To appreciate this seminar experience, it is critical that you have the appropriate software, plug-ins, and network connections. Please take the time to download the latest versions of the plug-ins mentioned below if you do not already have them.

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