On Course: Space Studies MSc, International Space University
In the first of a series designed to briefly showcasing the range of astrobiology-related degrees and courses available to students in the UK and beyond, we look at the Space Studies MSc from the International Space University (ISU). The Space Studies MSc is an interdisciplinary degree, based at the ISU’s Strasbourg campus in North-East France. The course welcomes students from industry and every type of academic background, including the Arts, Law, Science, Engineering and Medicine, with the aim of broadening knowledge for anyone wishing to move into the space sector from other...
Read MoreNew book by the ASB’s David Waltham: ‘Lucky Planet’
As well as conducting scientific research, our members are often writing about it too, and the ASB’s treasurer is no exception. David Waltham’s new book, Lucky Planet, was published on May 1st 2014. The book discusses the long-term habitability of the Earth and whether this results from natural climate stabilizing processes or, alternatively, was the consequence of good-fortune unlikely to be frequently encountered elsewhere in the Universe. See David talking about Lucky Planet in the video below. He will also be talking about the surprising long-term habitability of the Earth at the...
Read MoreKepler discovers first Earth-size exoplanet in the habitable zone
NASA’s Kepler space telescope has found an Earth-sized exoplanet in the habitable zone of its parent star. The planet, designated Kepler-186f, is about 500 light years distant and is the first such exoplanet discovered, raising hopes that Earth-size planets are relatively common in the universe. As discussed in our Astrobiology FAQ, the ‘habitable zone’ is the orbital distance from a star at which any water found on a planet surface would remain liquid. Other exoplanets have been found in their respective habitable zones before this discovery, however this is the first time...
Read MoreRegistration for EANA 2014 in Edinburgh now open
The 14th European Workshop on Astrobiology will take place in Edinburgh this October 13–16th. The focus of the conference is ‘Signatures of Life’, spanning fossils to trace gasses and other ways in which extant and extinct life can be detected on Earth and beyond. All other astrobiology topics are welcome. Registration and abstract submission is now open. Applications from early career researchers are particularly welcome. Register for the conference here.
Read More‘Astrobiology: A Very Short Introduction’ by David Catling
As someone with a scientific background in physics but new to the field of astrobiology I found this book to be an excellent introduction to the subject of astrobiology. David Catling manages to explain a large number of complex ideas in a simplified manner making them accessible to a wider audience. The first chapter sets up the field, discussing the difficulties of coming up with a definition for life and how explaining the origin and evolution of life on Earth is integral to astrobiology. He then goes onto the formation of the stars and planets with a focus on the solar system and the...
Read More