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About the GCA 12.14.2006

The image to the left represents the research that is performed at the Goddard Center for Astrobiology (GCA). As a part of the NASA Astrobiology Institute (NAI), the central goal of the Goddard Center for Astrobiology is to understand how organic compounds are created, destroyed, and altered during stellar evolution leading up to the origin of life on a planet, such as Earth. Planetary systems form by collapse of dense interstellar cloud cores. Some stages in this evolution can be directly observed when stellar nurseries are imaged, while other stages remain cloaked behind an impenetrable veil of dust and gas. Yet to understand the origin of life on Earth, we must first develop a comprehensive understanding of the formation of our own planetary system. To understand the probability of finding life elsewhere we must understand both the similarities and differences between the evolution of our own system and that of a typical star.

So what exactly is astrobiology? Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary science that involves Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics, all combined to understand the origins of life on Earth and beyond. Scientists who study Astrobiology ask the questions:How did our solar system form? How is the formation of our solar systems similar or different from others? How did the organic molecules we observe in space get to the Earth? What conditions are most suitable for life?

Collaboration is Key

Our team members hail from 10 universities (including two overseas), two NASA Centers, and two private institutions. This large collaborative effort allows our team members to have access to some of the most innovative technology in the world. Operations at the Goddard Center for Astrobiology include the use of mass spectrometers, proton source spectroscopy, and space- and ground-based telescopes. Our position as a lead team for NAI allows our scientists to perform cutting edge research that is published in some of the most competitive scientific journals in the world.

So what exactly is astrobiology? Astrobiology is a multidisciplinary science that involves Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, and Physics, all combined to understand the origins of life on Earth and beyond. Scientists who study Astrobiology ask the questions:How did our solar system form? How is the formation of our solar systems similar or different from others? How did the organic molecules we observe in space get to the Earth? What conditions are most suitable for life?

Dr's. Jason Dworkin and Daniel Glavin report on their discovery of two simple amines, methylamine and ethylamine, from comet Wild 2. The compounds were detected in Stardust aerogel and reported in the Journal Science. More information on their results and findings by other teams.

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• NASA Official: Dr. Jason Dworkin
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• Last Updated: Thursday, 14 December 2006