As an astrobiologist, I am often teased about my profession. Some people believe that astrobiology is just a catchy buzzword used to garner headlines and secure funding. Others view it as mere science fiction — or worse, a pseudoscience — because it lacks a subject of study.
Others view it as mere science fiction — or worse, a pseudoscience — because it lacks a subject of study. The most common question I get about my field is, “How can you even do astrobiology when you haven’t found life in space yet. ” My answer is always the same: “Ah, but we have found life in space.
” My answer is always the same: “Ah, but we have found life in space. ”People’s eyes widen as they wait for me to divulge state secrets about where we’re keeping the alien bodies. But the truth is far more down-to-Earth.