"Would a bird be able to fly in zero-gravity, or does it need gravity to fly? Have any experiments been done with live birds in outer space?"
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Question
Why do we (humans) need astrobiology?
One of the outstanding (and endearing) characteristics of humans is that we are curious about the way the world works. Scientists, especially, strive to understand where we came from and how we fit into the larger picture of life on Earth and in the universe. The basic questions of astrobiology -- How does life begin and evolve? Is there life elsewhere in the universe? What is the future of life? -- are the sort of thing that people have been curious about since the beginning of recorded history. If by astrobiology you mean these three questions, then they have been with us for a very long time. To want to know the answers is a basic part of being human. If instead you are asking about the name "astrobiology" or the NASA programs that fund astrobiology research, that might indeed be a transient response. However, the questions themselves respond to to our innate curiosity about ourselves and our origins.
David Morrison
NAI Senior Scientist
December 1, 2003
- How frequently are questions answered?
- I asked a question but there was no answer?
- Who is the Astrobiologist answering these questions?
- Will I get an email when my question is answered?
- What college courses should I take to become an astrobiologist?
- How can I get a job as an astrobiologist at NASA?
- Have aliens visited Earth? Are UFOs real?
- Is there a planet or brown dwarf called Nibiru or Eris that is approaching the Earth and threatening our planet with widespread destruction?
- Is it true that the Sun will be in the center of the Milky Way Galaxy in December 2012 and that this will cause a pole shift and massive destruction.
- Has NASA discovered life on other worlds?
- Astrobiology Career Path Suggestions
