Astrobiologists

The study of astrobiologists tries to explore the issue of the existence of extra-terrestrial life in the universe. As part of their job, they want to inquire into the nature of environment suitable for life beyond the Earth. To conduct their research in relevant field, they apply knowledge of different fields like biology, chemistry, geology, atmospheric science, oceanography, astronomy and aeronautical engineering. Research on astrobiology has significant role on the planning of space missions conducted by space agencies. In order to detect life beyond solar system, they endeavour to find out earth like planets and conduct in depth analysis on their atmospheric composition. The study of the origin of life on earth is an important segment of an astrobiologist’s profession. They try to explore the development process of various planets and their habitable condition with the help of their knowledge of biological and information sciences. The study of microorganisms plays a dominant role in astrobiology. These microorganisms are important for evolutionary research work. In their quest for possibility of life on other planets, astrobiologists interpret scientific data to construct hypotheses for further research. Listed below is information about the life and works of some renowned astrobiologists from all over the world.
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 1 
Carl Sagan
(Astronomer and Planetary Scientist Best Known for His Scientific Contribution in Research on Extraterrestrial Life)
Carl Sagan
3
Birthdate: November 9, 1934
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Died: December 20, 1996
Pulitzer- and Emmy-winning astrophysicist and author Carl Sagan was best known for co-writing the TV series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. His novel Contact was adapted into a film. He was known for his extensive research on extra-terrestrial life, had taught at major universities, and written countless papers and science books.
 2 
David S. McKay
(American Astrobiologist Best Known for Claiming to Have Found Evidence of Microscopic Life on a Martian Meteorite)
David S. McKay
8
Birthdate: September 25, 1936
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Titusville, Pennsylvania, United States
Died: February 20, 2013

David S. McKay was an astrobiologist who provided geology training to the first men to walk on the moon during the Apollo program in the 1960s. He worked as chief scientist for astrobiology at the Johnson Space Center. He extensively studied lunar dust and wrote over 200 papers on the topic. The asteroid 6111 Davemckay is named in his honor.  

 3 
Gerald Alan Soffen
(Biologist)
Gerald Alan Soffen
19
Birthdate: February 7, 1926
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Died: November 22, 2000