Interesting projects for aspiring astrobiologists?

[Rosemagic]

I have a group of young people (aged between 15 and 18) interested in doing a project that combines astrophysics and biology; could anybody recommend any good projects or research tasks for them??

For difficulty wise they have already completed an advanced gold crest project in astrophysics and astronomical imaging that was top end A-level bordering on 1st year undergraduate, so they are up for anything as long as its interesting!

In particular they have been looking at:
- Exoplanets, astronomical imaging and how that can be used in modern theories of astronomy and evolution
- Astrophysics engineering projects
- Life on other planets (how it came to be etc..)

Thank you!

 

[lippyka]

1. Research the effects of cosmic radiation on living organisms. 2. Investigate the effects of astrophysical phenomena (such as supernovae) on the Earth's biosphere. 3. Develop a model for the formation and evolution of planetary systems, and analyze its implications for the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. 4. Examine the role of magnetism in the formation and evolution of stars, and its implications for the origin of life. 5. Analyze the effects of stellar evolution on the habitability of planets in different parts of the Milky Way. 6. Study the effect of light pollution on animals and plants. 7. Investigate the effect of light from different stars on different types of organisms. 8. Investigate the effects of gravitational waves on living organisms. 9. Design a space mission to search for evidence of life on other planets. 10. Create a computer model of an exoplanet and study its habitability.