About Us
Indian Astrobiology Research Centre (IARC) conducts and encourages research in Astrobiology. Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe as well as the search for life, especially intelligent life, in the universe.
IARC is based in Mumbai. To know more about IARC please see the faqs.
IARC aligns its astrobiology research goals with those determined by NASA in the Astrobiology Roadmap 2003. The discoveries of extrasolar systems, increasing possibility of finding life elsewhere in the solar system, advances in astronomy and deeper understanding of the microscopic world make astrobiology the most thrilling and evolving subject in contemporary science.
Research Goals
Goal 1—Understand the nature and distribution of habitable environments in the Universe
Goal 2—Explore for past or present habitable environments, prebiotic chemistry and signs of life elsewhere in our Solar System
Goal 3—Understand how life originates from cosmic and planetary precursors
Goal 4—Understand how past life on Earth interacted with its changing planetary and Solar System environment
Goal 5—Understand the evolutionary mechanisms and environmental limits of life
Goal 6—Understand the principles that will shape the future of life, both on Earth and beyond
Goal 7—Determine how to recognize signatures of life on other worlds and on early Earth