What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exobiologist
Example
The exobiologist is analyzing the samples collected from Mars to determine if there are any signs of microbial life. [exobiologist: noun]
Example
She is pursuing a degree in exobiology to study the possibility of life on other planets. [exobiology: noun]
astrobiologist
Example
The astrobiologist is exploring the subsurface ocean of Europa to search for signs of life. [astrobiologist: noun]
Example
He is conducting research on the atmospheric conditions of exoplanets to determine their potential habitability. [astrobiology: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Astrobiology is more commonly used than exobiology in modern scientific literature and media. Astrobiology has become a more comprehensive and widely recognized field of study since its emergence in the 1990s.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exobiologist and astrobiologist?
Both exobiologist and astrobiologist are formal terms used in scientific contexts, but they can also be used in informal settings among professionals in the field.