As defined by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. It is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses the search for habitable environments in the Solar System and on habitable planets outside the Solar System.

It embodies the search for evidence of prebiotic chemistry and life on Mars and on other bodies in the Solar System. Astrobiology involves laboratory and field research into the origins and early evolution of life on Earth as well as studies of the potential for life to adapt to challenges existing on Earth and in space.

The image here shows the William P. Hobby-Robert E. Eberly Telescope in west Texas. It will house the Habitable Zone Planet Finder being built at Penn State University (Source: NASA; Credit: Marty Harris/McDonald Observatory).