Exoplanets and Icy Moons and Mars, Oh My!

Abstract

This chapter examines astrobiological phenomena in order to press beyond popular preconceptions about the field of astrobiology: that it is solely or primarily concerned with studying aliens that we do not yet know exist. Specifically considering Kepler 452-b, Proxima-b, Enceladus, and Mars, the chapter considers implications that emerge from closely studying the scope and scale of astrobiological research. These issues of scope and scale are figured in relation to the astrobiological concern for microbial life, the importance of living-systems, and models of habitability.