The Astrophysical Context of Life (2005) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 7-10
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From page 7... ...
Interdisciplinary research is needed that combines molecular biology, ecology, planetary science, astronomy, information science, space exploration technologies, and related disciplines. The broad interdisciplinary character of astrobiology compels us to strive for the most comprehensive and inclusive understanding of biological, planetary and cosmic phenomena.
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From page 8... ...
These stars evolved and forged heavier elements from the primordial hydrogen and helium and then expelled these critical elements back into space, sometimes with a gentle push and other times with a catastrophic explosion, to form the next generation of stars and planets, which were becoming ever more hospitable to the origin and evolution of life. In addition to playing a crucial role in the chemistry of life, the elements forged in stars provided natural radioactivity, which is, in part, responsible for the tectonic activity that shapes the Earth and which is one unavoidable source of mutation, the driving force of genetic evolution.
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From page 9... ...
Along with explosive events come cosmic rays that alter atmospheric chemistry, may affect cloud cover, and provide an additional source of mutation. The flux of cosmic rays inevitably fluctuates significantly since the sources are stochastic, and screening by the heliopause will be modulated as the Sun moves through a range of interstellar gas and attendant ram pressures.
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From page 10... ...
Because astrophysical research and perspectives play an important role in astrobiological research, the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life was charged with investigating how to augment and integrate the activity of astronomy and astrophysics in the intellectual enterprise of astrobiology, in NASA's astrobiology program, and in relevant programs in other federal agencies. The specific tasks of this study were as follows: 1.
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