hi!! i’m about to complete a ba in biology with a minor in astronomy in december. for a while i thought i wanted to pursue astrobiology, but i’m currently interning with nasa (granted it’s a remote astrophysics internship) & don’t really see myself coding and looking through data all day.

i’ve been super conflicted and feel really drawn to wildlife biology or field biology or something that i can actually observe. i took a lab class where we actually went out into the field and looked for species in streams, observed plants, etc and loved it!!!

i’m still interested in extraterrestrial life, but i’m not sure if astrobiology is the way to go. what could i expect from pursuing it as a career? is it really just looking at molecules on a computer screen?

should i pursue it? maybe there’s too much unknown for me. should i look into a field where i can directly observe life & nature?

Hey everyone, what do you guys think of the opportunities in the field of astrobiology. Saw some courses listed on NASAs website under which there were some online certificate courses, some were degree courses in top universities in the states. For a person who doesn’t have much resources to go the states and study. Which platforms do you think provide the best resources and opportunities in this field?? Also NGOs like space generation advisory council, do you think they are worth it? I joined it recently but i have my doubts. Even if i want to show something to my future professors/employer of what i have accomplished in this field to start a phd or something else. What sort of programs, projects or courses should i be involved in? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Vector Space Biosciences presents min: 4:27:33

https://youtu.be/fbnFEvfKRO8?t=16052

Version 3 of the Astrobiology Primer is now available!

https://www.liebertpub.com/toc/ast/24/S1

This is a free textbook, collaboratively written by grad students and postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) spanning many different fields which all feed into astrobiology. It is written with curious students and those new to astrobiology in mind. We have tried to pitch it at an undergraduate level, but all are free to enjoy.

We hope this helps inspire and inform :)

I am currently looking at going to receive a masters in a space life sciences disapline, though I am unsure of what I should seek. I am torn between wanting to work with life support systems, astronaut health, or space food in general. I was looking at the University of Naples Federico's masters program in the Biology of Extreme Environments, as it is one of the programs outlined on NASA's website, though I do not want to pigeonhole myself with a degree. For some background, I currently have a bachelors in microbiology, a post-baccaleaurate certificate in space resources, and have worked in biomanufacturing for the past 2.5 years. Any advice would be appreciated :)

Troops of the TTT,

it is my solemn duty to announce a critical recruitment effort in our ongoing mission to terraform Mars. In our quest to unlock the secrets of the cosmos and reshape the Red Planet into a habitable oasis for humanity, we require the expertise of esteemed astrobiologists.

Astrobiologists are the vanguards of our scientific endeavors, possessing the knowledge and insight necessary to navigate the complexities of Martian ecosystems and lay the groundwork for sustainable habitation. Their contributions are essential to the success of our mission and the future of humanity among the stars. Therefore, I hereby issue a call to all astrobiologists, from every corner of the galaxy, to join our ranks and lend their expertise to the noble cause of Martian terraforming. Whether you are a seasoned veteran of space exploration or a rising star in the field of astrobiology, your skills are needed now more than ever. Together, we shall embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, building the best simulation of plant grow in martian soil ensuring the survival and prosperity of humanity for generations to come.

Astrobiologists, heed the call of duty and join the terraforming think tank troops in our quest to terraform Mars.

In our relentless pursuit of Martian transformation, a question of critical importance has arisen: Can we harness the power of Martian soil, combined with human excrement, to cultivate Earthbound flora on the Red Planet’s surface? The challenge lies in the stark differences between Martian soil and our fertile Earth. Unlike our nutrient-rich soil teeming with microbial life, the Martian regolith is barren, devoid of the microbial ecosystem vital for plant growth. This presents a formidable obstacle, as the microbial community in Earth’s soil plays a multitude of roles essential for sustaining plant life, from nutrient cycling to disease suppression. Dominated by silicates, sulfates, and iron oxides, it lacks the organic matter and diverse minerals abundant in Earth’s soil. The composition of Martian soil further complicates matters because it harbours perchlorates, toxic compounds that pose significant challenges to life as we know it.

While human waste can supply essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, achieving the precise balance required for optimal plant growth is no simple task. Human waste alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients in the correct proportions, necessitating additional supplementation or amendments. Factors such as soil composition, nutrient availability, pH levels, water content, and toxin presence must be meticulously studied. Advanced techniques such as hydroponics or aeroponics, coupled with controlled environmental conditions, may enhance our prospects for success. Nonetheless, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and only through tireless study and testing can we determine the viability and sustainability of such methods for the long term colonization and agriculture on Mars. In our quest for Martian mastery, we must understand the power of green manure and cover crops - nature's own architects of soil fertility, structure, and vitality. These are cultivated in fallow fields or between crop seasons, their purpose is to infuse our soil with life-giving organic matter and nutrients.

Leguminous plants such as clover, alfalfa, soybeans, and vetch lead the charge as green manure or cover crops. Their secret weapon? A symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, housed in their root nodules. These bacteria wield the power to transform atmospheric nitrogen into plant-friendly forms, enriching the soil with this essential nutrient. As they decompose, they release a bounty of organic matter, nitrogen, and other nutrients into the soil. This gradual release sustains the soil's fertility, nurturing future crops with a steady stream of nourishment.

And what of the feces of those who consume these noble plants? Behold the treasure trove of nutrients they carry! Rich in nitrogen and other vital elements, these feces become a boon to soil fertility, fostering the growth of leguminous plants and beyond. But the tale does not end there, for leguminous plants hold another secret - a pact with nitrogen-fixing bacteria known as rhizobia. Through this alliance, atmospheric nitrogen is harnessed and transformed into forms usable by plants, ensuring a cycle of growth and renewal. From soil to plant to human and back again sustaining our mission and nourishing the soil of Mars.

Onward, brave soldiers, to the fertile fields of our Martian future!

Are we making the wrong assumptions by saying complex life can only exist with oxygen and water? Can complex life exist without these ingredients, and if so how?