Astrobiology and Planetary Sciences in Latin America - Research, Education, Public Outreach, and its Potential for Near-Future Investigations

The main goal of this book is to communicate the current research projects held in Latin America regarding Astrobiology and Planetary Science topics.
Chapter 1 is based on a report by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Commission F3 which emerges as a pivotal force in advancing interdisciplinary astrobiological research globally. The chapter underscores the commission's commitment to fostering international collaboration and its role as a bridge between astronomical research and broader scientific efforts.
Chapters 2 through 10 delve into specific regions, institutions, and their contributions:
The Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) is examined for its evolution and multidisciplinary pursuits, showcasing its influence on galactic evolution, prebiotic chemistry, and planetary habitability. Argentina's astrobiological journey from the 19th century to its active involvement in contemporary research with the Argentinian Research Unit in Astrobiology, and Brazil's pioneering work from the 1950s to the present, are explored, emphasizing influential figures, diverse communities, and contributions. The narrative extends to Colombia, tracing the emergence of astrobiology in 1986 and its subsequent institutionalization through entities like the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Research Group (GCPA), recognized and categorized by Ministry of Science Colombian Association of Astronomical Studies (ACDA). The Colombian landscape features vibrant engagement in academic activities, research endeavors, and public outreach initiatives. Chapter 9 unfolds the pivotal role of the Mexican Society of Astrobiology (SOMA) in advancing astrobiology in Mexico, emphasizing its multidisciplinary objectives. Meanwhile, Chapter 10 highlights Peru's contributions to astrobiology, chronicling the formation of the Astrobiology Group of Peru (GAP) and the establishment of the Scientific Society of Astrobiology of Peru (SCAP). The anthology culminates in Chapter 11, outlining the formalization of the Latin American Astrobiology Network. This network, established during the II Latin American Astrobiology Congress (2016), emphasizes ethical principles, research, education, and outreach across Latin America, positioning itself as a key player in advancing astrobiology and planetary sciences in the region.
This book serves as a valuable resource, meticulously documenting the multifaceted evolution of astrobiology in Latin America, encompassing institutional frameworks, historical trajectories, and contemporary contributions.

List of contents

STATE OF ASTROBIOLOGY IN THE WORLD.- CENTRO DE ASTROBIOLOGÍA 20 YEARS OF RESEARCH IN SPAIN.- ASTROBIOLOGY IN ARGENTINA. EXTREME ENVIRONMENTS EXTREMOPHILES AND MORE.- BRIEF HISTORY AND CURRENT STATUS OF ASTROBIOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCES IN BRASIL.- CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASTROBIOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCES RESEARCH IN CHILE.- ASTROBIOLOGY IN CUBA.-  ASTROBIOLOGY AND PLANETARY SCIENCES IN COLOMBIA: ITS POTENTIAL FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH.- SOCIEDAD MEXICANA DE ASTROBIOLOGÍA SOMA MEXICAN ASTROBIOLOGY SOCIETY.- ASTROBIOLOGY IN PERÚ: FIRST ACHIEVEMENTS.- LATIN AMERICAN ASTROBIOLOGY NETWORK.

About the author

David Tovar: B.Sc. Geology from Universidad Nacional de Colombia the National University of Colombia, with a Master's degree in Geological Sciences from the University of Minnesota. Currently pursuing doctoral studies in Geosciences at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia National University of Colombia and Space Research and Astrobiology at the Universidad de Alcalá University of Alcalá, Spain. Currently leads the Earth and Planetary sciences line at the Bogotá Planetarium, co-chairs the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Group (GCPA), teaches astronomy at the University of La Sabana, and teaches astrobiology at the Francisco José de Caldas District University. Co-author of the book "Selected Topics in Astrobiology" published in 2015. He is currently involved in several research projects, such as: 1) Evaluation of Gorgona Island and Nevado del Ruiz Volcano as Terrestrial Analogs and Their Relationship with Astrobiology and Habitability on Mars, 2) Antarctica as a Model for the Development of Astrobiology in Nevado del Ruiz (Colombia) and the Return of Its Advances to Antarctic Science. Additionally, he is co-leading the international program Earth Analogs for Research and Testing of Habitats and Exploration - EARTH-X
María Angélica Leal: B.Sc. Biology from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, with a master's degree in biology from the same university, currently pursuing doctoral studies in Biology at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Space Research and Astrobiology at the University of Alcalá. Current director of Laguna Scientific Corporation. Additionally, researcher at the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Group (GCPA) of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and Laguna Scientific Corporation and of the Colombian Antarctic Program. Full member of the Colombian Network of Women Scientists, and the lead contractor of the education team at the Bogotá Planetarium. Additionally, she has participated as research scientist in several scientific research projects, focused on the study of extreme environments with astrobiological potential. Author of more than 20 science education books, two research books, and book chapters resulting from scientific research. She has participated in three Colombian Antarctic campaigns to Antarctica (2015-2016, 2021-2022, 2022-2023).

Summary

The main goal of this book is to communicate the current research projects held in Latin America regarding Astrobiology and Planetary Science topics.
Chapter 1 is based on a report by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Commission F3 which emerges as a pivotal force in advancing interdisciplinary astrobiological research globally. The chapter underscores the commission's commitment to fostering international collaboration and its role as a bridge between astronomical research and broader scientific efforts.
Chapters 2 through 10 delve into specific regions, institutions, and their contributions:
The Centro de Astrobiología (CAB) is examined for its evolution and multidisciplinary pursuits, showcasing its influence on galactic evolution, prebiotic chemistry, and planetary habitability. Argentina's astrobiological journey from the 19th century to its active involvement in contemporary research with the Argentinian Research Unit in Astrobiology, and Brazil's pioneering work from the 1950s to the present, are explored, emphasizing influential figures, diverse communities, and contributions. The narrative extends to Colombia, tracing the emergence of astrobiology in 1986 and its subsequent institutionalization through entities like the Planetary Sciences and Astrobiology Research Group (GCPA), recognized and categorized by Ministry of Science Colombian Association of Astronomical Studies (ACDA). The Colombian landscape features vibrant engagement in academic activities, research endeavors, and public outreach initiatives. Chapter 9 unfolds the pivotal role of the Mexican Society of Astrobiology (SOMA) in advancing astrobiology in Mexico, emphasizing its multidisciplinary objectives. Meanwhile, Chapter 10 highlights Peru's contributions to astrobiology, chronicling the formation of the Astrobiology Group of Peru (GAP) and the establishment of the Scientific Society of Astrobiology of Peru (SCAP). The anthology culminates in Chapter 11, outlining the formalization of the Latin American Astrobiology Network. This network, established during the II Latin American Astrobiology Congress (2016), emphasizes ethical principles, research, education, and outreach across Latin America, positioning itself as a key player in advancing astrobiology and planetary sciences in the region.
This book serves as a valuable resource, meticulously documenting the multifaceted evolution of astrobiology in Latin America, encompassing institutional frameworks, historical trajectories, and contemporary contributions.

Product details

• Assisted by: Angelica Leal (Editor), Maria Angelica Leal (Editor), David Tovar (Editor)
• Publisher: Springer International Publishing
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 04.10.2025
• EAN: 9783032014498
• ISBN: 978-3-032-01449-8
• Illustrations: Approx. 180 p. 10 illus., schwarz-weiss Illustrationen
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > Astronomy; Sonnensystem: Sonne und Planeten, Biologie, Biowissenschaften, Fachspezifischer Unterricht, Naturwissenschaften, allgemein, Planetary Science, Science Education, Astrobiology, planetary geology, Terrestrial Planets, extreme environments, Extremophiles in Astrobiology, Terrestrial Analogs, Planetary Surface Processes, Microbiology and the origins of life