The Search for Habitability and Life Beyond Earth: From micro-ET's to Exoplanets

The last decade has seen a revolution in astrobiology – the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. Results returned by planetary missions in the Solar System such as Messenger, Venus Express, the Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Express, MSL and the Curiosity rover, Cassini, and Kepler, as well as multi-disciplinary research in terrestrial extreme environments have resulted in a new, inclusive, vision of astrobiology. What we learn from one planet helps us understand others, including our own, and guides the design and planning of future astrobiology-focused missions. In her presentation, Dr. Cabrol will discuss this revolution in astrobiology, with the latest updates from these various missions, and where we stand on our quest to understanding habitability and find life beyond Earth.

Speaker: Nathalie Cabrol, SETI