Laura Lewis
NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Phone: 650/604-2162, 650/604-9000 E-mail: llewis@mail.arc.nasa.gov
RELEASE: 00-25AR
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. PDT. 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
LATEST RESULTS OF ASTROBIOLOGY RESEARCH TO BE UNVEILED AT AMES
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.
