Curated category
Astrobiology
- AbiogenesisIn 1676, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek drew and described microorganisms that he called animalcules. He used a simple microscope to observe protozoa and bacteria…
- Refractory (planetary science)In planetary science, any material that has a relatively high equilibrium condensation temperature is called refractory.
- Viking programThe Viking program began its life in 1968 when NASA Langley Research Center took charge of the effort. This initiative grew from an earlier, even more…
- Lunar Receiving LaboratoryThe Lunar Receiving Laboratory opened its doors in 1969 with a single, terrifying goal. Scientists feared that the Moon might harbor unknown pathogens…
- Extraterrestrial lifeThe universe began 13.8 billion years ago in a state too hot for life, reaching temperatures around 10 billion Kelvin at the one-second mark.
- Interplanetary contaminationForward contamination describes the transfer of life from Earth to another celestial body. Back contamination covers the introduction of extraterrestrial…
- Volatile (astrogeology)In 1992, planetary scientists gathered to discuss the chemical makeup of distant moons. They focused on elements that vaporize easily compared to those that…