Er

Astrobiology Teachers’ Workshop

Co-sponsored by NASA NAI, NASA JSC and LPI
1 May 2010 -- Houston TX

Astrobiology
Thinking about Life, the Universe and TEKS

Dr. Margaret S. Race

Workshop Themes:
Pattern Recognition
New Understanding
Paradigm Shifts in
Science

Understand real-life exploration and discovery

in a way that will interest and inspire students…
Current Exploration is Interesting… but confusing?
Fast Paced Changes in Understanding Of Life On Our Planet
Expanding Notions About The Prospects Of Life Elsewhere
Dealing with Information across scales, through time, on Earth & elsewhere
Lots of Activities in many disciplines…
Exploring The Universe is Like
Solving a Really Big Puzzle:
Take It One Piece at a Time….
Need A General Framework as a Guide
Start With What You Know
Overall Workshop in Context
 Astrobiology
What it is
Astrobiology Roadmap

 Astrobiology in Action
How we explore and discover
Seek to understand ‘Life’ in the Universe
Interdisciplinary Science
Links with TEKS

 Workshop Overview
Goals
Pattern Recognition
New Understanding
Paradigm Shifts in Science
Activities
At End: Understand
 AB Roadmap as a Conceptual Framework
 Life, Searching for Life & Potential for Life in Universe
 Science from Earth outward…through time…
 Across Scales- Micro to Macro and Multidisciplinary
 Astrobiology Roadmap (1998; Revised 2003; 2008)
Study of Origin, Evolution, Distribution and Fate of Life in Universe

Three Main Questions:

 Where Do We Come From?
How does life begin and evolve?
 Are We Alone?
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? How can we Detect it?
 What is the Future of Life on Earth & Beyond?

The Living Universe: NASA and the Development of Astrobiology

by Steven J. Dick & James E. Strick
Rutgers University Press, New Brunswick, NJ, 2004.

http://astrobiology.nasa.gov/roadmap
 Astrobiology in Action
Multiple Pathways for Research and Exploration

SEVEN Science Goals- Outlines of Broad Domains of Investigation

1. Understand The Nature & Distribution Of Habitable Environments In The Universe

2. Explore For Habitable Environments & Life In Our Own Solar System
3. Understand The Emergence Of Life
4. Determine How Early Life On Earth Interacted & Evolved With Changing Environment
5. Understand The Evolutionary Mechanisms And Environmental Limits Of Life
6. Determine The Principles That Will Shape Life In The Future
7. Recognize Signatures Of Life On Other Worlds And On Early Earth

VIA Eighteen Specific Objectives – High Priority Efforts for next 3-5 years
Astrobiology Unites Disciplines to Study Life in the Universe

Origins,
Evolution,
Distribution
and Future
of Life
Where to Start?
Multiple Different Search Types
(Question 2: Are We Alone?)

SETI Searches

Extrasolar/Habitable Planets

Exobiology in the Solar System

Multiple Different Search Types
SETI Searches
Radio-telescopes - within Galaxy
Discovery: Intelligent Life
Unknown Biology or Chemistry
Light Years Away (still exist?)
Aliens ???

Extrasolar/Habitable Planets
Telescopes - within Galaxy
Discovery: Other Solar Systems; Terrestrial Planets?
Information on Atmospheres (Compostion/Conditions?)
Maybe Habitable?
Life ???
 Multiple Different Search Types
SETI Searches

Extrasolar/Habitable Planets

 Exobiology in the Solar System **

Missions -- visits

Meteorites -- Fossil Evidence?

Cosmochemistry (Process; Replication)

Origin of Life Research (Lab Experiments)
  
** Real Time; Potential for Cross Contamination; Biohazards?
 Strategy: Build on What We Know… (Life & Environments)
Search in Nearby Places
Significant Changes in Understanding
Universe, Planetary Dynamics
Solar System and Earth
Life and Its Role on Earth

Earth: Only Life We Know in Universe

Life: 3 Main Ingredients
Raw Materials (chemical elements)
Energy Source
Liquid Water

Advances in Environmental Microbiology

Altered View of Earth: Bio-Geo-Chemical World
Life Can Live in Extreme Places (Limits Expanded)
Microbes Everywhere! Huge Biomass
(Leapfrog of Science and Technology)
 Astrobiology Searches for
ET in the Solar System

Focus on
‘Biological Potential’ and Habitability
 Does Target Body have Habitable Conditions?
 Could Body Have ET Life? (Now or in Past)
 Can We Find Evidence of it now?

Mars: Study of Rocks; Evidence for ET Life (Biomarkers)

Search for Liquid Water
Other Clues (Environmental)?

If On Mars, Perhaps Elsewhere Too?

(likely to be microbial)
1976 Strategy Has Worked on Mars…
Built Understanding about Mars and its
1996
Environment over time...

2003

2007

2011

More and more indications of water found…

Small and large scales…
Small Scale Evidence for Past Water

- Sedimentary Layers
- Former Salty Water
- Watery Past

Hematite
‘Blueberries’
 Large Scale Indications of Water
Water Frost, late 1970’s

Gullies; Landslides
Glacial Features

Snow Accumulation?

Polar Ices
Recent Gullies?
Environmental Clues: Methane & Caves on Mars
2004
Methane Detected in Mars Atm.
Methane degrades ~300 yrs,
but replenished on Mars

2007
Caves found on Mars:

150 to 250m diameter

2007
Methanogens can grow in Mars simulant soils

2009
Methane localized in several places
Significant Improvements In Resolution

Viking

MGS
Continuing Studies of Mars
See Present Day Processes

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

High Resolution Images

Active Landslides (2008)

0.6 mi across/ Aug 2009

 Phoenix
May 25, 2008!
(Photos from orbiting spacecraft)
Meteor Impact Craters (Before/After)
5 Locations – Indications of Ice
 Astrobiologists’
Thinking…
Thinking
Accumulate Information; Interpret Patterns (‘story’)
 Continuing Signs of Water (Ice); Methane; Sub-surface life?
 Earth and Mars Similar Pasts?
 No Plate Tectonics on Mars
 Focus on ‘Best Locations’ to address hypotheses
 Only Remote Data or Meteorites So Far…
 Rove Further… Dig Deeper…Better Instruments
 Hypothesis Testing on a Grand Scale (for all science areas)
 For Many Bodies, Locations and Processes….
 Link with TEKS

 Understand Earth, Life on Earth (as we know it)

 Habitability; Conditions/Factors for life
 Earth, Solar System Bodies, Features
 Locations, Movements, Characteristics
 Compare/Contrast Earth with Other Bodies
 Environmental Features
 Ecosystems, Changes Through Time
 Hypothesis Testing-- Scientific Process
 Workshop Activities Linked with Themes:
Pattern Recognition
New Understanding
Paradigm Shifts in Science

Search for Extrasolar Planets (Kepler Mission) Edna DeVore

Deep Time: Reinterpreting Early Earth Brooke Norsted

Recognizing Patterns Daniella and Team

Life on the Edge (extreme environments) Lisa Pratt & Ruth Droppo

The Rock that Started it all- Scientific Process JSC Team

Astrobiology, Incremental Data Accumulation,
New Ideas & Understanding, Paradigm Shifts

NOTICE THE TIME FRAMES….

Search for Extrasolar Planets ~ 15 years

Deep Time: Reinterpreting Early Earth < 5-10 years

Life on the Edge (extreme environments) Late 70’s Vents

The Rock that Started it all- Scientific Process Mid 90’s

Asteroids and Dinosaur Extinction ~ ’79

Human Microbiomes ~ 5-10 years

Rapid Changes in Science and Understanding

 Experiencing real-time exploration & discovery
in ways that will interest and inspire students…

Astrobiology = Science Process on a Grand Scale -- Easy to Grasp

Different Understanding of Earth and Planets

Earth as a Bio-Geo-Chemical Place
Think in Fresh Ways about Significance of Life- here & beyond
Useful to think about Life-- past, present and future

Sometimes, Need to Look Elsewhere to Understand Ourselves

 Science Involves
Thinking Outside the Box

Today’s Reality Comes From

Yesterday’s ‘Outside The Box’
and

Today’s ‘Outside The Box’

Represents
Tomorrow’s Possibilities
(Both Successes And Failures)

Keeping up with changes is essential!

Try To Understand The Universe
One Piece At A Time

Astrobiologists:
What is the Nature of Life?
Do We Live In A Biological Universe?
Is Life A Cosmic Imperative?

If Yes
Highly Significant
If No
Questions?
 Framing the Issues:
Science & Scientists in the Real World
(Recognize Where and How Science Fits)

Science and Scientists

(Not just in textbooks!)

Need to Distinguish
Basic Science Facts (Uncertainties; Data Interpretation)
vs. Applied Science, Decision Making
vs. Societal Implications (Short and Long Term)
 Viewing it in Context

Era of Exploration…
Perhaps Discovery?
Need Broad Perspective:
Astrobiology & Society
 Science Ahead of Policy
Science and Issues in a Democratic Process
Uncertainty in Science and when Making Decisions
Controversy- Experts on Both Sides

Race
 Here’s Where Planetary Protection Fits…
Responsible Exploration (Avoid Past Mistakes…)

Planetary Protection

All of the Planets, All of the Time….

PP = Environmental Protection for the Solar System

 The Reasons for ‘Planetary Protection’ --

 Outer Space Treaty of 1967:

Avoid Harmful Cross Contamination of Planets and
Adverse Effects on Earth from Space Exploration
 Forward Contamination:
Contamination
Introduction onto Mars of Terrestrial Microbes on Outbound
Spacecraft or Equipment
 Back Contamination:
Contamination
Introduction onto Earth of Biological Contamination or Life Forms in
Returned Samples or Equipment

 How To Plan Missions With PP??

Translate Treaties & Policies Into “Responsible Exploration”
** Conservative Approach…
Revise Over Time Based on Science Findings (Biosafety)
Continue Responsible Exploration
and
Anticipate Ramifications of Current & Future Exploration

Much is ‘Routine’– Science and Technology Process

Until Now– Decisions Made by
Scientists &Technologists… (Outer Space Treaty)
Mission Planning and EISs (disclose & mitigate risks)

Begin to See Issues That Go Beyond Science

Recognize Need More than Just Science

Build On Existing Laws, Ethics, etc. But…

All Laws, Ethics, Theologies Based on Life as We Know It

Can We Systematically Address the Issues?

How do we know what’s Right? Responsible?
One Way to Look Ahead
“…I think it is important that the story be
told. This country supports the largest
scientific establishment in the history of
mankind. New discoveries are constantly
being made, and many of these
discoveries have important political or
social overtones. In the near future, we
can expect more crises on the pattern of
Andromeda. Thus I believe it is useful for
the public to be made aware of the way in
which scientific crises arise, and are dealt
with.”

Michael Crichton, January 1969

Impacts on us and by us…

 Examples of Possible Issues
Ahead:

Don’t need science fiction to anticipate…

(Some May Be Years-Decades; Others Decades to Centuries)

What = Environmental Ethics Beyond Earth?

1.Plans/Issues Upon Discovery…vs. After

2.Private Sector Activities

3.Planetary Defense from Near Earth Objects (NEOs)

4.Living in Space and Evolution of Life

 1. Complications Involving Ethics of
ET Life and Environments
Outer Space Treaty 1967
Avoid harmful cross contamination during exploration

PP Policies based on science and technology

Avoid interfering with opportunity to explore
Avoid Adverse changes on Earth (biosafety)

BUT… There Could be ET life

?? Ethical considerations towards Mars and Martians??
No ethical input on how to approach ET environments

So: Upcoming International Workshop (2010) (COSPAR)

Examine whether to integrate ethical considerations into PP policy
 Questions About Interactions with Other Beings

SETI Principles…. Upon Discovery

Short Term- Verification and sharing of information
Long Term– Consult with humankind before respond
Who besides scientist should decide? No enforcement

How would the world react? Psychological Effects?

“Meaning” to different religions or culture? Significance?

Similar Questions about Microbial ET life? (sooner)

NO Operational vs. Long Term Policies Exist at present
Colonization? Tourism? Resource Use? Reversible Contamination?
Terraforming? (what kind of life to favor?)

If ET exists, How relate to Genesis and Creation? Psychology?

New View: Biological Universe. Need Cosmocentric focus?

Interdisciplinary Workshops on Astrobiology Societal Issues

Develop Roadmap of Astrobiology Issues (Research Needs)
 2. Looking Beyond Science…

Private Sector Making Gains

Commercial & Private Venture Plans:
Commercial Delivery Business -- Transport payloads to the Moon for
science, exploration and commerce

Modular Lunar Landers – Spacecraft Bus

Airline approach to pricing & cost sharing

Other Ventures: Tourism, Astro-Burials; Strip Mining & Resource Use;

Asteroids; Stake Claims/Ownership

Space Debris - End of Life? (Liability? Cumulative Impacts etc.)

Many Questions about Private Sector:

Human Sites Preserved? Monuments To Humankind?
Who Regulates? Private Sector Vs. Government
Environmental Management? Designated Pristine Areas?
Celestial Bodies As Sacred To Some Cultures
Relationship To Bodies Without Life? With Life?
Space Faring Nations vs. Non-Spacefaring; Future Generations etc.
3. PLANETARY DEFENSE from Near Earth Objects (NEOs)
THREATS TO LIFE- Potentially Hazardous Asteroids and Comets

Leonid meteor
Smallest, most shower
frequent

n d We
c o Bo ek
Se u lde Peekskill meteorite

st
r

Du
Huge, extremely rare 100
15 k

ill e l din g
um
m Tunguska, 1908
Myr

ni
i
Bu

n
K-T mass Mountain

M
extinction, 500,000 yr
65 Myr ago

SL9
hits
Jupiter
1994
Sizes and Impact Frequencies of NEOs
• We Know How to Detect and Deflect NEOs
– Smallest NEOs: “Natural Hazards” & Disasters (Localized)
Do we deflect (at great cost) or let them hit?
– Largest: End of Civilization (Philosophical concern)
Most Dangerous, but most unlikely.
NEOs >1 km require nuclear technique: Do we use it? Costs? Liability?

• Unusual International Political, Military, Legal Issues

• Who Should Make Decisions? (Just scientists now)

– There’s no national or international responsibility (yet)
Report to UN (COPUOS) by Assn. of Space Explorers (Feb 2009)
 4. Some Issues are More Hypothetical:

Really Long Term…. Many Decades or Longer

 Human Directed Evolution?

Migration Beyond Earth?
• Mutation… Speciation? Obligations to Humans Afar?

Astrobiology PLUS Other Fields

• Transformations of Mind and Body
• Like Synthetic Biology; Nanotechnology….
• Deliberate Evolution? Transhumans ? Life’s Future?
Who Knows What the Future Holds ?

The World Need Lots of Experts…

Many Occupations…and Roles..
Personal & Professional Decision Making…

Astronaut, Rocket Scientist, Doctor, Marine Biologist,

Inventor, Lawyer, Nurse, Environmentalist, Nutritionist,
Journalist, Geologist, Clothing Designer, Chemist,
Ethicist, Psychologist, Finance, Statistician, Artist,
Hospital Administrator, Business, Teacher, Auto Industry
Sports Trainer, Architect, Computer Programmer,
Engineers, City Planner, Physics, Forensics, Agriculture,
Environmental Management, Fire Sciences, Paramedic,
Green Technology, Film Making, ‘Consumer’, Citizen,etc…

Progress is based on STEM subjects plus others…

Need To Keep Thinking… Lots Of Teamwork…

Soon It’ll Be Students’ Turn To Make Decisions….

 Science Involves
Thinking Outside the Box

Today’s Reality Comes From

Yesterday’s ‘Outside The Box’
and

Today’s ‘Outside The Box’

Represents
Tomorrow’s Possibilities
(Both Successes And Failures)

Keeping up with changes is essential!