Research: Astrobiology Research at the University of Washington

Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe.

The origin and evolution of life may be influenced by a variety of factors, including

• type of galaxy
• distance of the star from center of the galaxy
• chemical composition of stars favoring earth-like planets
• accretion of water
• frequency of meteor impact events
• availability of organic matter, and
• requirements for climate stability.

Earth is our only example so far of a life-supporting planet, and the study of astrobiology also requires an understanding of the limiting conditions under which microbial life exists on Earth, as well as as an understanding of the mechanisms of evolution leading to biocomplexity.

Our central research theme is the study of the extreme forms of microbial life on Earth (now and in the past) so as to inform the search for fossils or extant life at extraterrestrial sites.

Examples of current Astrobiology research at the University of Washington include:

• studies of Martian surface features and atmospheric processes,
• studies of Arctic psychrophiles and hydrothermal vent hyperthermophiles in situ,
• studies of the evolution of microbial mat communities,
• modeling of early solar system dynamics,
• analysis of meteorites and interplanetary dust particles for organics.