Astrobiology is the scientific study of life in the universe, focusing on the potential for life beyond Earth. It combines elements of biology, chemistry, planetary science, and astronomy to explore how life might arise, survive, and evolve in different environments, including extreme conditions.
Researchers in astrobiology investigate various celestial bodies, such as Mars and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn, to find signs of past or present life. They also study the conditions necessary for life, including the presence of water, organic molecules, and suitable temperatures, to understand where life might exist elsewhere in the cosmos.