The Astronomer’s Pocket Guide to Astrobiology

Abstract

Astrobiology has become a field of great interest within the astronomical community in the past several years. Although elements of it have been present in astronomical research for decades, the development of new and expanded funding sources and the appearance or expansion of professional organizations in astrobiology have stimulated greater interest among astronomers and provided new opportunities for participation in research. However, the structure and organization of this field are not always obvious to a scientist seeking to become involved in it. The purpose of this chapter is to give the astronomer a quick overview of the astrobiology community as it currently exists, and to point out some issues that should be considered by anyone with plans to become active in astrobiology research.