The field of astrobiology includes the search for life elsewhere in our universe. To learn how to look for life on other planets, we must first examine the limits of life as we know it here on Earth.

Microorganisms inhabit some of the most extreme environments on Earth, which may be similar to environments on other planetary bodies, in our solar system and beyond. Jackie Goordial is a postdoctoral scientist at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences who studies microbial ecosystems in extreme environments, from the frigid poles to the deep ocean.

Join Goordial on Tuesday, Aug. 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Bigelow Laboratory in East Boothbay to learn what studying microbes can tell us about possible life on other planets.

Bigelow Laboratory’s Café Sci is a fun, free way for you to engage with ocean researchers on critical issues and groundbreaking science. You can see the full schedule, learn more, and register online for this popular summer series at www.bigelow.org/cafesci.