Astrobiology Terms

noun the branch of astronomy that deals with the physical and chemical properties of celestial bodies and the universe as a whole

• Astrophysics is a branch of astronomy that deals with the physical properties and processes of celestial bodies.
• Studying astrophysics can help us understand the mysteries of the universe.
• Yo, astrophysics is like studying space stuff, right?
• Exploring the depths of astrophysics is like unraveling the secrets of the cosmos.

noun a large, bowl-shaped cavity in the ground or on the surface of a planet or the moon, typically caused by an explosion or the impact of a meteorite

• The scientists studied the impact crater left by the meteorite.
• We hiked to the top of the mountain and found a huge crater.
• Dude, did you see that crater in the ground? It's massive!
• Her heart felt like a deep crater after he broke up with her.

noun a compound of phosphorus with a more electropositive element or group

• Phosphine is a colorless, flammable, and toxic gas that is used in the semiconductor industry.
• I heard that phosphine is really dangerous if you inhale it.
• Don't mess with phosphine, it can mess you up big time.
• The presence of phosphine in the atmosphere is like a red flag for potential life on other planets.

noun a scientist who specializes in the study of life in the universe

• The astrobiologist conducted research on the potential for life on other planets.
• My friend is studying to become an astrobiologist and hopes to find aliens one day.
• That astrobiologist is out of this world with their theories!
• The astrobiologist's imagination soared to new heights as they pondered the possibilities of extraterrestrial life.

noun a celestial object that is the collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova explosion, consisting almost entirely of neutrons

• A neutron star is a celestial object formed from the collapsed core of a massive star.
• Did you know that a neutron star is basically the leftover core of a massive star?
• That neutron star is like the ultimate dense ball of stuff in space.
• Her presence in the room was like a neutron star, pulling everyone towards her with her charisma.

noun a planet with a mass larger than Earth's but smaller than that of the solar system's ice giants

• Scientists have discovered a new super-Earth exoplanet orbiting a nearby star.
• Did you hear about that new super-Earth planet they found?
• That super-Earth planet is out of this world!
• The super-Earth of possibilities lies beyond our solar system.

noun the original evolution of life or living organisms from inorganic or inanimate substances

• The theory of abiogenesis suggests that life arose from non-living matter through natural processes.
• Some scientists believe in abiogenesis, which means life came from non-living things.
• Abiogenesis is like when life just popped out of nowhere, crazy right?
• The idea of abiogenesis is like a seed sprouting into a full-grown tree without any prior existence.

adjective relating to the study of the Earth's upper atmosphere and ionosphere

• The study of the Earth's upper atmosphere falls under the field of aeronomic research.
• I heard that aeronomic studies focus on the outer layers of the atmosphere.
• Aeronomic stuff is way above my head, I stick to simpler subjects.
• Exploring the aeronomic mysteries of the sky is like unraveling a cosmic puzzle.