Astrobiology Program

University of Washington Provost Mark A. Richards today announced Dianne Harris will become dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, beginning Sept. 1.

With the publication of “Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe” 20 years ago, the UW’s Peter Ward, professor of biology, and Donald Brownlee, professor of astronomy, explained why microbial life may be ubiquitous in the universe, but intelligent life may be rare indeed. They are now working on a sequel, tentatively titled “The Rare Earth Hypothesis: Assessing the Frequency of Complex Life in the Cosmos, in the Age of Exoplanet Discovery.”

Dr. Michael L. Wong, a research associate in the astrobiology program and astronomy department, explains what life on Mars could be.

New studies knock down a controversial report observing phosphine in Venus’ atmosphere. Victoria Meadows, professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted. Andrew Lincowski, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrobiology, is mentioned.

Scientists stunned the world last year by claiming to have discovered traces of phosphine in the Venusian clouds. New research suggests this gas — which, excitingly, is produced by microbes — was not actually responsible for the signal they detected. Instead, it was likely sulfur dioxide, a not-so-thrilling chemical. Victoria Meadows, professor of astronomy at the UW, is quoted. Andrew Lincowski, a doctoral student in astronomy and astrobiology at the UW, is mentioned.

An octopus has more neurons in its arms than in its head. It’s difficult to imagine how they perceive the world, but scientists have tried. Dominic Sitivilli, a doctoral student in psychology and astrobiology at the UW, is quoted.

Wondering if we've got neighbors? UW astrobiologists are looking for signs of life elsewhere in the Universe. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 6, three UW astrobiologists, including astronomy doctoral students, Brett Morris and Marshall Styczinski, will discuss their research at the Pacific Science Center.

Lupita Tovar never expected to go to a four-year college. Now she's a UW graduate pursuing a PhD in astronomy and astrophysics.

 In this TED Talk, Peter Ward, paleontologist and astrobiologist at the UW, explains what we can learn from previous mass extinctions.

An Earth-sized planet that could boast water, even an ocean, has been found circling the star nearest our sun.

Astrobiologists debate which chemical signatures would hint at life on other worlds.

New research suggests that more planets in the Milky Way galaxy may harbor advanced civilizations than we previously imagined.

Victoria Meadows, director of the UW's Virtual Planetary Laboratory, discusses whether oxygen in an exoplanet's atmosphere is a sign of living beings.

Department of Astronomy faculty discuss the value of gender diversity among students and faculty.