NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration

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  1. Question

    Is there any difference between astrobiology and bioastronomy?

    Three words -- astrobiology, exobiology, and bioastronomy -- all have nearly the same meaning and are often used interchangeably. Astrobiology is the most general term, since it includes studies of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe. Exobiology focuses on the search for life beyond the Earth and the biology of alien life, while bioastronomy focuses on astronomical issues, such as the chemistry of organic compounds in space, the origin of habitable planets, and SETI, the search for intelligent life. David Morrison
    NAI Senior Scientist

    April 23, 2007