Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the possibility of life beyond Earth, integrating principles from astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology. This branch of science seeks to understand the conditions necessary for life and investigates extreme environments on Earth, such as deep-sea vents and acidic lakes, to gain insights into potential extraterrestrial habitats.
Astrobiologists study celestial bodies like Mars, Europa, and Enceladus, which exhibit characteristics that may support life, such as subsurface oceans or organic molecules. The search for biosignatures—indicators of life—is a key focus, guiding missions and experiments designed to detect signs of past or present life.
Additionally, astrobiology addresses fundamental questions about the origins of life, its evolution, and its potential distribution across the universe. As humanity continues to explore our solar system and beyond, astrobiology will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of life's possibilities in the cosmos.