Latest Results of Astrobiology Research to be Unveiled at Ames

March 23, 2000
Laura Lewis

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

Phone: 650/604-2162, 650/604-9000 E-mail: llewis@mail.arc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 00-21AR

NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS: News media are invited to attend the
First Astrobiology Science Conference to be held at NASA Ames Research
Center, Moffett Field, CA, April 3-5, 2000. The conference will be held
daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST. Scientific lectures and research
papers will be presented in the Main Auditorium, Bldg. N-201. Scientific
and technical posters will be displayed in the Training and Conference
Center, Bldg. 3. To get to Ames, take the Moffett Field exit off Highway
101. At the Moffett Federal Airfield main gate, proceed to the Visitor
Badging Office to obtain entry badges and maps to the conference. Bring
press credentials and photo ID to gain admittance. Media planning to
attend the entire conference should register using the online registration
form available at: http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov

An internationally recognized cadre of researchers from diverse scientific
disciplines will present their latest findings demonstrating the novel,
multidisciplinary nature of astrobiology during the First Astrobiology
Science Conference at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, April
3-5, 2000.

Mission opportunities and technology requirements for astrobiology research
– the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and destiny of life in
the universe – will also be discussed. The conference is organized into
six provocative themes that relate to the fundamental questions and
research areas within Astrobiology: Water–the Sine Qua Non of Life; The
Environment; Astrobiology Programs and Mars; Transfer; Detection; and
Simplicity and Complexity. The themes will be discussed during oral
presentations and in numerous scientific and technical posters.

“Astrobiology is a unique and exciting new field that probes into
some of humanity’s and science’s most intriguing questions about the origin
and evolution of life in the universe,” explained Dr. Lynn Rothschild, an
evolutionary biologist at Ames and chairperson of the meeting’s local
organizing committee. “This conference
is our first opportunity to assess the science, discuss the mission
opportunities available, and really ignite the field,” she added.

More information about the Astrobiology program and conference is available
on the astrobiology website: http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov. The website
contains the conference agenda, list of speakers, and scientific and
technical abstracts. Located in California’s Silicon Valley, Ames is
NASA’s Center of Excellence for Astrobiology, and manages the NASA
Astrobiology Institute.