NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI)

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

“Yellowstone National Park Offers the Public a Portal to Astrobiology”.
The Ames Astrobiology team is working with Yellowstone National Park (YNP) on a long term, public engagement program that includes exhibits, literature, field experiences, educator workshops, and “fireside chats” with astrobiologists that will reach the three million visitors of all ages who experience YNP each year.

Ames has participated in the development of the following interpretative materials on astrobiology and microbiology:

Produced chapters in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 editions of the Yellowstone Resources and Issues handbook, and financed it as a color publication.
Eight way side exhibits (large porcelain signs) presenting microbiology and astrobiology that are now deployed Park-wide.
Lectures for the formal education program of the Yellowstone Association Institute.
Park Kids Program (Astrobiology Educator Guide).
Content for the YNP web site.
Consultation regarding the scope and content of exhibits for microbiology and astrobiology in the new Old Faithful Visitor and Education Center (OFVEC).
Understanding how life began on Earth is a natural focal point for astrobiology. Yellowstone is providing insights into the origin and evolution of life and the potential for life to exist beyond Earth. Biochemical clues hint that early life might have lived in high-temperature environments, including hot springs. The park’s hot springs provide a glimpse into the nature of the early biosphere. Ancient spring alcoves on the flanks of Martian volcanoes invite comparisons with YNP, whose fossil-rich sinter spring deposits may, in turn, resemble deposits on Mars.