Astrobiology Australasia Conference 2018

AAM2018 

Talks and posters on current topics in astrobiology will be followed by a three-day field trip to the diverse and spectacular geothermal features of the central North Island’s Taupo Volcanic Zone (2 Ma-present). The TVZ is one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet, complete with its own supervolcano and high geothermal heat flux. Hot springs of varied fluid compositions will be visited, including the world renowned, Au-bearing Champagne Pool (pictured) and the colourful microbial mat-draped, fault-bounded sinter terraces of Orakei Korako, to mention only two.

Seth Shostak, SETI Institute Fellow and Senior Astronomer will be one of the featured speakers, “Why Haven’t We Found ET?”

Other guests will include:

• Mitch Schulte (NASA): The Mars 2020 Rover Mission, The Ladder of Life Detection
• Lindsay Hays (NASA): The Mars 2020 Rover Mission, The Ladder of Life Detection
• Jen Blank (NASA, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science)
• Martin van Kranendonk (ACA, University of South Wales Sydney)
• Kathleen Campbell (NZAN, University of Auckland): Extreme Environments of Hot Springs and Early Life on Earth and Mars
• Samuel Leske (NZAN)
• Ian Hawes (Waikato University): Windows to Other Worlds: Antarctic Lakes, Astrobiology and Milestone Moments for Life on Ancient Earth
• Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom (Spacebase): Democratizing Access to Space: Co-creating a Space Industry in Aotearoa for Future Space Exploration
• Haritina Mogosanu (NZAN, Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Place): My Life on Mars: Human Factors in Mars Exploration