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Space Science and
Astrobiology at Ames

The Space Science and Astrobiology Division provides science leadership and stewardship that enhances and enables the NASA community to make new scientific and technical discoveries, thus assuring the success of NASA’s strategic goals and space missions.

To understand and explore our universe

Visit the branch pages for the Space Science and Astrobiology Division.

Artist's impression of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

Astrophysics

Research in astrophysics, astrochemistry, quantum chemistry, star and planet formation, galaxy formation, and exoplanet imaging technologies to support NASA missions.

Go to the Astrophysics Branch

This mosaic of Bennu was created using observations made by NASAs OSIRIS-REx spacecraft

Planetary Systems

Research on the origins of stars and planetary systems, their evolution and formation, their environment, and the interdisciplinary area of astrobiology.

Go to the Planetary Systems Branch

mars space laboratory

Exobiology

Research to understand pre-biotic chemistry and the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the Universe.

Go to the Exobiology Branch

Mars Climate Modeling Center

Research on the atmosphere and climate of Mars and Mars-like exoplanets to develop state-of-the-art Mars Global Climate Models.

Updates and People from the Division

Explore the staff and work of the Space Science Division.

Picture of Christine Martinez and Naseem Rangwala

Who We Are

Learn about the Staff in Space Science and Astrobiology

There are three images. The top right is Cassiopeia A. This image of Cassiopeia A resembles a disk of electric light with red clouds, glowing white streaks, red and orange flames, and an area near the center of the remnant resembling a somewhat circular region of green lightning. X-rays from Chandra are blue and reveal hot gas, mostly from supernova debris from the destroyed star, and include elements like silicon and iron. X-rays are also present as thin arcs in the outer regions of the remnant. Infrared data from Webb is red, green, and blue. Webb highlights infrared emission from dust that is warmed up because it is embedded in the hot gas seen by Chandra, and from much cooler supernova debris. Hubble data shows a multitude of stars that permeate the field of view. The image on the bottom is 30 Doradus. This release features a composite image of 30 Doradus, otherwise known as the Tarantula Nebula, a region of active star formation in a neighboring galaxy. In the image, royal blue and purple gas clouds interact with red and orange gas clouds. Specks of light and large gleaming stars peek through the colourful clouds. The patches of royal blue and purple gas clouds represent X-ray data collected by the Chandra Observatory. The brightest and most prominent blue cloud appears at the center of the image, roughly shaped like an upward pointing triangle. Darker X-ray clouds can be found near the right and left edges of the image. The red and orange gas clouds represent infrared data from the James Webb Space Telescope. These patches resemble clouds of roiling fire. The brightest and most prominent infrared cloud appears at our upper left, roughly shaped like a downward pointing triangle. Wispy white clouds outline the upward pointing bright blue triangle in the center of the image. Inside this frame is a brilliant gleaming star with six long, thin, diffraction spikes. Beside it is a cluster of smaller bright specks showing young stars in the nebula. The final image is NGC 6872. In this composite image, a large spiral galaxy has some of its superheated gas stolen by a smaller, nearby neighbor. Centered in the frame, NGC 6872 is a large spiral galaxy with two elongated arms that stretch toward our upper right and lower left. Near the white dot at the heart of the galaxy, a cloud of neon purple tints the arms, which appear steel blue at the tips. The purple represents hot gas detected by Chandra. Just to the upper left of NGC 6872 is a second spiral galaxy. Its spiraling arms are much smaller, but the bright white dot at its core is quite large, suggesting a supermassive black hole. Some of the steel blue matter and gas from NGC 6872’s lower arm appears to be floating toward the smaller galaxy, likely pulled toward the supermassive black hole.

What We Do

Learn about our science and instrument development.

Learn about our science

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How We Work

Learn how we accomplish our research in Space Science and Astrobiology

Visit our areas of research

Research Teams

Explore the various interdisciplinary Research Teams at Ames

Find and learn about teams by topic

News, Features, and Publications

Explore Space Science and Astrobiology at Ames:

Scientist Interviews

Learn about the experiences of the scientists of Ames

Interviews with the scientists

Publications

View current and past publications done by our people in Space Science and Astrobiology

Access all scientific publications

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Interesting Fact of the Month

Starlight

Learn something fun from a NASA scientist

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Science Nuggets

Bite-sized, single-page summaries of recent science results, mission highlights, and outreach activities

Quick reads on the latest research