Significant Women in Astrobiology
- Dec 18, 2023
- 4 min read
The contributions of women to the field of astrobiology are significant and continue to grow. From leading teams at NASA to driving innovation and research in the search for life on Mars, female astrobiologists are on the cutting edge of this profession.
What is Astrobiology?
NASA's Lindsy Hays explains that "astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, and distribution of life on this planet and throughout the universe." In their work, astrobiologists try to understand how the scenarios that make life possible on Earth can inform the search and potential discovery of life on other planets.
What does an astrobiologist do?
The role of an astrobiologist involves the interdisciplinary study of life in the universe, with a focus on searching for extraterrestrial life, studying habitable environments, and contributing to space missions and research.
An astrobiologist focuses on the study of life in the universe, including its potential existence beyond Earth. Their role involves:
Searching for extraterrestrial life by analyzing data from space missions and telescopes to identify environments that may support life or contain evidence of past or present life.
Studying extreme environments on Earth, such as deep-sea hydrothermal vents or acidic lakes, to understand the limits and conditions under which life can thrive.
Investigating biosignatures on exoplanets to identify those with conditions suitable for life.
Planning missions and developing instruments to detect signs of life or habitable conditions on other celestial bodies.
Sharing research in publications, public outreach and media.
Given its potential for past or present life, during the last decade, work in the field of astrobiology has been significantly focused on the exploration of Mars. Martian astrobiologists analyze data from rovers and orbiters, contribute to mission planning, and study Martian geology and chemistry to assess the planet's habitability.
How do astrobiologists practically study life on other planets?
Astrobiologists look to habitats and forms of life that live in extreme conditions on Earth to inform their understanding of extraterrestrial life. For instance, Astrobiologist Natalie Cabrol was the principal investigator in NASA's Planetary Lake Lander project to develop strategies for the exploration of the lakes on Titan. The project looked at life adaptations at the highest lakes on Earth, more than 6000m elevation, in the Chilean Andes. While Dr Penelope Boston's work in subterranean caves has helped her to understand how microbes and other organisms can thrive in environments that are chemically toxic to humans.
Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode this type of study creates opportunities for “adventures” in the field. "I share a spirit with NASA’s charge to explore the universe in search for life beyond Earth. No matter how you argue it, NASA takes risks—it is simply the nature of space research. I take risks too and welcome the adventures they bring."
Who are notable women in Astrobiology?
Lynn Margulis
Lynn Margulis was a groundbreaking scientist who explored how life developed on Earth. The first Principle Investigator for NASA’s Exobiology Program, she received funding for her research in microbial evolution and organelle heredity. Margulis' "endosymbiotic theory," changed our understanding of how life evolved on Earth. Margulis showed that teamwork between different tiny living things is a key factor in the diversity and complexity of life. Her work is considered to be foundational to the field of astrobiology.
Dr Penelope Boston
Dr. Penny Boston served as the Director of NASA's Astrobiology Institute (NAI) at NASA Ames and is an award-winning astrobiologist and has been a key figure in the search for life on Mars. In her career, she has overseen the scientific endeavors of member teams and managed all operational aspects of the organization, as well as carrying out practical study and research. She has a background in the study of caves and geology and has used that knowledge to inform her understanding of extreme environments, including those in outer space.
Nathalie Cabrol
Nathalie Carbol is an astrobiologist and the Director of the SETI Institute Carl Sagan Center for Research, where she leads efforts to integrate astrobiology and SETI through a multidisciplinary approach. With a background in planetary and environmental sciences, as well as astrobiology, her research is dedicated to exploring habitability and the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Nathalie has an impressive record of over 470 peer-reviewed publications, three books, and 10 book chapters covering planetary science, exploration, astrobiology, and extreme terrestrial environments. She has received awards from NASA and other research organizations, is a Carey Fellow (Wings Worldquest Women of Discovery - Air and Space, 2007), and has been a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences since 2016. Nathalie was also honored with the opportunity to deliver the Sagan Lecture at AGU in December 2016.
Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode
Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode is an astrobiologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center with expertise in organic chemistry, geology, and the potential biology of Martian and ocean-world environments. She is involved in the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) and Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) missions, focusing on detecting and preserving organic molecules on the Martian surface. Eigenbrode also leads the development of a mission concept for a fly-through of Enceladus' plume. Her research revolves around planetary habitability, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the advancement of technologies for planetary missions.
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