Astromicrobiology is the scientific field where Astrobiology
is combined with microbiology. Astromicrobiology is
composed of microbiologists who specialize in the hands-on
search for life. They also tell the engineers what kinds of
space probes and detection equipment to build to search for
life. The basic task is to find microscopic life.
Alive or dead, microbes are expected to be more abundant
that larger lifeforms. Various detection methods, such as
microscopes, carbon isotope analysis and electromagnetic
spectrum analysis can be used.
Some cutting-edge areas could be:* microbiological
studies in microgravity,
* responses of microorganisms to space environment
* the microbial diversity within the spacecraft or space
station,
* planetary protection issues
* microbial communities as terrestrial analogues for
extraterrestrial
habitats (e.g. Mars, Europa)
* Panspermia or Litho-Panspermia
* Limits of life
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