March 30, 2000

Laura Lewis

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA

Phone: 650/604-2162, 650/604-9000 E-mail: llewis@mail.arc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 00-25AR

NOTE TO EDITORS AND NEWS DIRECTORS: News media are invited to attend the First Astrobiology Science Conference to be held at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, April 3-5, 2000. The conference will be held daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT. Scientific lectures and research papers will be presented in the Main Auditorium, Bldg. N-201. Scientific and technical posters will be displayed in the Training and Conference Center, Bldg. 3. To get to Ames, take the Moffett Field exit off Highway 101. At the Moffett Federal Airfield main gate, proceed to the Visitor Badging Office to obtain entry badges and maps to the conference. Bring press credentials and photo ID to gain admittance. Media planning to attend the entire conference should registerusing the online registration form available at:

http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov

LATEST RESULTS OF ASTROBIOLOGY RESEARCH TO BE UNVEILED AT AMES

An internationally recognized cadre of researchers from diverse scientific disciplines will present their latest findings demonstrating the novel, multidisciplinary nature of astrobiology during the First Astrobiology Science Conference at NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, April 3-5, 2000.

Mission opportunities and technology requirements for astrobiology research – the study of the origin, evolution, distribution and destiny of life in the universe – will also be discussed. The conference is organized into six provocative themes that relate to the fundamental questions and research areas within Astrobiology: Water--the Sine Qua Non of Life; The Environment; Astrobiology Programs and Mars; Transfer; Detection; and Simplicity and Complexity. The themes will be discussed during oral presentations and in numerous scientific and technical posters.

"Astrobiology is a unique and exciting new field that probes into some of humanity’s and science’s most intriguing questions about the origin and evolution of life in the universe," explained Dr. Lynn Rothschild, an evolutionary biologist at Ames and chairperson of the meeting’s local organizing committee. "This conference is our first opportunity to assess the science, discuss the mission opportunities available, and really ignite the field," she added.

More information about the Astrobiology program and conference is available on the astrobiology website: http://astrobiology.arc.nasa.gov. The website contains the conference agenda, list of speakers, and scientific and technical abstracts. Located in California’s Silicon Valley, Ames is NASA’s Center of Excellence for Astrobiology, and manages the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

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