Nobody has yet seen an extraterrestrial, but scientists have found

[University]

Nobody has yet seen an extraterrestrial, but scientists have found clues that life may be quite common in the universe.

So what areas of scientific study are included in the new disciple of "astrobiology"

 

[Chronos]

Kepler is the newest breed.

 

[Arch2008]

http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/

 

[Chronos]

Thanks arch! I omitted link.

 

[pmacias]

and what evidence supports the idea that life may be common in the universe?Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary field that combines elements of astronomy, biology, chemistry, and geology to study the potential for life beyond Earth. It explores the conditions necessary for life to exist, the potential habitats where life could thrive, and the methods for detecting and identifying extraterrestrial life.

Some key areas of study in astrobiology include the search for habitable worlds, the study of extremophiles (organisms that can survive in extreme environments), and the investigation of potential biomarkers (chemical signatures of life) on other planets or moons.

One of the main pieces of evidence that supports the idea of life being common in the universe is the sheer number of potentially habitable planets that have been discovered. Thanks to advances in technology, we have been able to detect thousands of exoplanets (planets outside of our solar system) and a significant portion of them fall within the habitable zone of their star, where liquid water could exist.

Additionally, the discovery of extremophiles on Earth has shown us that life can thrive in extreme conditions that were once thought to be uninhabitable. This expands the potential range of environments where life could exist on other planets or moons.

Other evidence includes the presence of organic molecules, the building blocks of life, on other planets and comets in our own solar system. These molecules have been found on Mars, Saturn's moon Enceladus, and the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, suggesting that the ingredients for life may be widespread in the universe.

Overall, while we have not yet found definitive proof of extraterrestrial life, the evidence gathered through astrobiology research strongly suggests that life may be common in the universe. With continued advancements in technology and exploration, we may one day discover life beyond our own planet.