Is astrobiology serious science?


Is the scientific status of astrobiology undermined by the lack of evidence for alien life, the problematic influence of science fiction, or the use of ‘astrobiology’ as a buzzword for attracting funding? Here we defend the emerging discipline.

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Cyrille Jeancolas.

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Jeancolas, C., Gillen, C., McMahon, S. et al. Is astrobiology serious science?.
Nat Astron (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-02165-9

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  • Published: 28 December 2023

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41550-023-02165-9


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