Unit 11: Astrobiology

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Astrobiology

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The study of life in the universe, including life on Earth and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

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The Great Filter

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The idea that there must be some common obstacle, or set of obstacles, that hinder the evolution and maintenance of intelligent (technological) life.

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The Drake Equation

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An equation that lays out the factors that play a role in determining the number of communicating civilizations in our galaxy.

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Exoplanet

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A planet that orbits a star outside the solar system.

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Habitable Zone

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The region around a star in which planets could potentially have surface temperatures at which liquid water could exist.

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The Fermi Paradox

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The apparent contradiction between the lack of evidence and high probability estimates for the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations.

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Extraterrestrial Life

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Life that originates outside Earth.

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Panspermia Hypothesis

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The idea that life on Earth originated from microorganisms or chemical precursors of life present in outer space and able to initiate life on reaching a suitable environment.

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Biosignature

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A detectable sign, e.g., chemical or morphological, that supports the likelihood of the presence of life.

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Extremeophiles

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Organisms that can live in very extreme environments.