Astrobiologists study the origin and evolution of life on Earth and the possibility of life beyond Earth; a question that has fascinated scientists for hundreds of years. In this Very Short Introduction, David C. Catling introduces the latest scientific understanding of astrobiology, incorporating aspects of microbiology, geology, and astronomy. Explores some of the big unanswered questions about the universe Considers the origins of life on Earth and its evolution, to understand the possibility of life elsewhere Brings together the ideas of microbiologists, astronomers, planetary scientists, and geologists Looks at the origins of astrobiology and the discoveries it is making Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over six million sold worldwide