Astrobiology (journal)

Astrobiology is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. It is a leading journal in the field of astrobiology, an interdisciplinary science that investigates the potential for life beyond Earth, the origins of life on Earth, and the future of life in the universe.

The journal publishes original research articles, review articles, short communications, and perspectives on a broad range of topics relevant to astrobiology, including:

• Origins of Life: Research into the chemical and physical processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth, including the formation of prebiotic molecules, the development of self-replicating systems, and the origin of cellular structures.

• Planetary Habitability: Studies of the conditions necessary for life to exist on other planets, moons, and other celestial bodies. This includes investigations of planetary environments, climate models, and the search for habitable zones around stars.

• Extremophiles: Research on organisms that thrive in extreme environments on Earth, such as high temperatures, extreme salinity, or high radiation levels, and how these organisms might inform our understanding of life on other planets.

• Biosignatures: The study of indicators of life, both past and present, that could be detected remotely on other planets. This includes the identification of biomarkers, analysis of atmospheric compositions, and the development of methods for detecting life in extreme environments.

• Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI): Investigations into the possibility of detecting intelligent life beyond Earth through radio signals or other technological signatures.

• Planetary Protection: Guidelines and procedures for protecting planetary environments from contamination by terrestrial organisms during space exploration missions, and for protecting Earth from potential hazards posed by extraterrestrial materials.

Astrobiology is aimed at a broad audience of scientists, including biologists, chemists, astronomers, geologists, and planetary scientists. It is indexed in major databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The journal plays a significant role in advancing the field of astrobiology by providing a platform for researchers to share their findings and collaborate on interdisciplinary projects. The impact factor of the journal is a measure of its influence in the scientific community.