Rationale

To join a Brazilian Astrobiology discussion list, following the spirit of this rationale, please visit http://br.groups.yahoo.com/group/exo-bio/

The quest regarding the possibility of the existence of life in the Universe is one of the oldest human puzzles, being responsible for the creation of myths and legends and for arising the curiosity of the general public. More recently, it has received a closer attention from scientists of different fields as well and the many pathways to search for life in the Universe have been quickly moving from the science fiction realm to the real world of science. Astrobiology, the science related to these searches, has achieved the status of a respectable science and can be used (in fact, it is already being used) as a strong link of interaction between biological and physical science. From an optimistic point of view, Astrobiology encompasses the study of all life forms existing in the Universe, including, of course, life on Earth. Many different aspects of this new multidisciplinary field are being attacked by specialists of areas, such as astronomy, biology, physics, chemistry, geology and planetary sciences.

The objective of the I Brazilian Workshop on Astrobiology (BWA) is to gather, for the first time in Brazil, professional scientists and graduate students from different fields that have been working or are interested in starting a career in one of the various topics related to Astrobiology, in a formal and academic environment. The increasing number of papers in this area in the last few years is noticeable, coming mainly from Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry and Geology fields. Presently in Brazil there are astronomers searching for exoplanets, trying to understand the formation of planetary discs and, along with chemists, studying the chemistry of interstellar medium, particularly searching for organic compounds. Biologists have focused on extremophiles, studying their survival conditions and evolution in environements under extreme conditions (high temperature, pressure, salinity and pH). Geologists have worked in the investigation of atmospheric and geologic records of young Earth.

The organizers noticed the potential and major interest for a meeting of this kind and, after a poll among colleagues in their research fields, decided to organize this workshop. The I BWA is intended as an environment for scientists and graduate students interested in this multidisciplinary field to exchange ideas, results and perspectives for the development of the field in Brazil, with poster sessions, review talks and oral communications. The discussion sessions at the end of morning and afternoon talks will offer a good opportunity to exchange specific knowledge and expertise among the different fields represented in the workshop.

For more information contact:
C. A. Wuensche, Address: Av. dos Astronautas,1.758 - Jd. Granja - CEP 12227-010
S. José dos Campos - SP - Brasil
http://www.das.inpe.br/astrobio
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