Astrobiology News
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Stay up-to-date with the latest content from NASA as we explore the universe and discover more about our home planet.
![](https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1-pia26368-perseverance-finds-a-rock-with-leopard-spots.png?w=4096&format=png)
NASA’s Perseverance Rover Scientists Find Intriguing Mars Rock
The six-wheeled geologist found a fascinating rock that has some indications it may have hosted microbial life billions of years ago, but further research is needed. A vein-filled rock is catching the eye of the science team of NASA’s Perseverance…
![Fountains of ice erupt from the surface of Enceladus. The small moon is mostly in shadow, which makes the geysers illuminated by sunlight stand out.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pia11688.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA: Life Signs Could Survive Near Surfaces of Enceladus and Europa
Europa, a moon of Jupiter, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, have evidence of oceans beneath their ice crusts. A NASA experiment suggests that if these oceans support life, signatures of that life in the form of organic molecules (e.g.…
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An Ancient Partnership: Co-Evolution of Earth Environments and Microbial Life
NASA-supported scientists have examined the long and intricately linked history of microbial life and the Earth's environment. By reviewing the current state of knowledge across fields like microbiology, molecular biology, and geology, the study looks at how microorganisms have both…
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Here’s How AI Is Changing NASA’s Mars Rover Science
Artificial intelligence is helping scientists to identify minerals within rocks studied by the Perseverance rover. Some scientists dream of exploring planets with “smart” spacecraft that know exactly what data to look for, where to find it, and how to analyze…
![Under a microscope, two large, circular, rust colored organisms can be seen toward the middle of the frame. Similar cells are out of focus to the right edge. Other flecks of small dust are also seen against the white backdrop.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/picture-1-red-snow-algae-jpg-1240x510-q85-subject-location-561545-subsampling-2.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
Study Examines how Viruses affect Algal Blooms in Snow
NASA-supported scientists have reported how interactions between viruses and bacteria during algal blooms could affect snowmelt in polar and subpolar regions on Earth. When we think about algal blooms, we tend to picture liquid water environments like lakes, rivers, or…
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Surprising Phosphate Finding in NASA’s OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample
Scientists have eagerly awaited the opportunity to dig into the 4.3-ounce (121.6-gram) pristine asteroid Bennu sample collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Regolith Explorer) mission since it was delivered to Earth last fall. They…
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Why Scientists Are Intrigued by Air in NASA’s Mars Sample Tubes
Tucked away with each rock and soil sample collected by the agency’s Perseverance rover is a potential boon for atmospheric scientists. Atmospheric scientists get a little more excited with every rock core NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover seals in its titanium…
![Conceptual image of an exoplanet with an advanced extraterrestrial civilization.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/exoplanet-no2-v4.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA: Alien Civilizations May Be “Missing” Due to Modest Energy Needs
If advanced extraterrestrial civilizations exist, they might be hard to detect because their energy requirements may be relatively modest, according to a NASA study. If they have no need for vast amounts of power, they would not be required to…
![A group of four people, sitting around the exhibit hall table, engaging in a shrinky dink craft. The table is covered with a blue cloth and various materials including pens, badges, and small tools. Behind them are exhibit booths labeled "Meteor Mayhem" and "Infiniscope," with additional conference attendees visible in the background.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/dinks-jessica-swann.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA SCoPE Engages and Empowers at AbSciCon 2024 with Gaming Activities and Childcare Support
At the AbSciCon conference held from May 6-10, 2024 in Providence, RI, NASA SCoPE (SMD Community of Practice for Engagement) left a lasting impression with its engaging activities centered around gaming. The NASA SCoPE exhibit hall booth was a vibrant…
![Artist’s rendering of NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft.](https://science.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/europa-clipper-19c754.jpg?w=4096&format=jpeg)
NASA Selects Students for Europa Clipper Intern Program
NASA has selected 40 undergraduate students for the first year of its Europa ICONS (Inspiring Clipper: Opportunities for Next-generation Scientists) internship program, supporting the agency’s Europa Clipper mission. Europa ICONS matches students with mentors from the mission’s science team for a…