Astrobiology

/ˌæstroʊbaɪˈɒlədʒi/ noun

Definition

The science that studies the possibility of life existing beyond Earth and examines conditions under which life might develop on other planets or in space.

Etymology

Compound word from Greek astro- ('star') and biology. Coined formally in the 1960s during the Space Age, though the concept existed earlier in science fiction.

Kelly Says

Astrobiology legitimized the question 'Are we alone?' as hard science—researchers discovered water on Europa, methane on Mars, and organic chemicals in space clouds, making alien life scientifically plausible.

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