UW Astrobiology Courses

Photochemical Stability and Reactivity of Prebiotic Molecules Under Ceres-Like Conditions

Explore prebiotic organic material stability and reactivity under Ceres-like conditions, with implications for astrobiology and future mission planning.

• YouTube
• 41 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Expanding the Agnostic Biosignature Toolkit: Estimating Molecular Assembly with GC-MS

Explore techniques for detecting extraterrestrial life using molecular assembly theory and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, focusing on agnostic biosignatures and analytical challenges.

• YouTube
• 38 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Predicting Outgassing Rates for L 98-59 b with an Interior Model - Astrobiology Research Presentation

Explore interior modeling of L 98-59 b to predict outgassing rates and atmospheric composition, supporting JWST exoplanet observations and characterization efforts.

• YouTube
• 24 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Coupling Planetary and Ecosystem Modeling to Assess Habitability and Inhabitation

Explore innovative approaches to assess planetary habitability and potential life, combining atmospheric, interior, and ecosystem modeling for various celestial bodies in our solar system and beyond.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Origin of Biological Homochirality by Crystallization of an RNA Precursor on a Magnetic Surface - Astrobiology Colloquium Spring 2024

Explore the origin of biological homochirality through crystallization of RNA precursors on magnetic surfaces, uncovering potential pathways to life's molecular asymmetry.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Microbial Iron Acquisition and Adaptations at Hydrothermal Vents

Explore microbial adaptations for iron acquisition in hydrothermal vents, focusing on siderophores and their role in maintaining bioavailable iron in deep-sea ecosystems.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

DART: Successful Deflection of an Asteroid by a Kinetic Impactor

Explore NASA's groundbreaking DART mission, its successful asteroid deflection, and the implications for planetary defense strategies. Gain insights into the mission's dynamics and future follow-up plans.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 14 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Searching the SETI Ellipsoid

Explore the concept of the SETI Ellipsoid and its role in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence with Astrobiology/Astronomy expert Jim Davenport.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

There's More to Life Than O2 - Assessing Biosignatures in Terrestrial Exoplanets

Explore biosignatures beyond oxygen in exoplanet spectroscopy, assessing detectability and environmental context for potential extraterrestrial life.

• YouTube
• 25 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Origin of Mercury's Structure and Chemical Composition and Their Astrobiological Implications

Explore Mercury's unique composition, formation, and implications for astrobiology. Investigate its metal-rich core, volatile elements, and comparisons to chondrites through experimental data and spacecraft observations.

• YouTube
• 59 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Looking Ahead to the Future of Exoplanet Climate Modeling

Explore the evolution of exoplanet climate modeling, from 1D models to sophisticated 3D simulations, and learn how JWST observations will shape future research and model refinement.

• YouTube
• 34 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Exploring Jezero Crater with Mastcam-Z - NASA's Perseverance Mars Rover

Discover Mars' geology through Perseverance rover's Mastcam-Z observations in Jezero crater. Explore ancient lake habitability, sample collection, and implications for Mars' history.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 8 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Ice Science Advances: From Antarctic Cores to Future Mars Sampling

Explore advances in ice science through Antarctic cores and potential Mars sampling, uncovering insights about Earth and Mars' ancient climates and environments.

• YouTube
• 30 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Abyssal Habitable Zone: Ocean Worlds Near and Far

Explore ocean worlds and their potential for harboring life, examining pressure, ices, and exoplanets through innovative experiments and scientific analysis.

• YouTube
• 29 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The Search for Evidence of Life on Enceladus

Explore Saturn's moon Enceladus, its subsurface ocean, and the potential for life. Learn about strategies to search for evidence of life in the plume ejected from this fascinating astrobiology target.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video