Define astrobiology in relation to space studies.

Astrobiology is defined as the study of life potential in the universe, focusing on the conditions that might support life beyond Earth. This field combines biology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy to explore the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the cosmos. Astrobiologists investigate extreme environments on Earth to understand how life might exist on other planets, analyze the potential for life on Mars and moons like Europa or Enceladus, and search for biosignatures in the atmospheres of exoplanets. This holistic approach distinguishes astrobiology from more specialized fields, such as the study of planetary atmospheres or celestial mechanics, which do not inherently involve the search for life.