ScienceJune 16, 2026
panspermia
/ˌpænˈspɜːrmiə/
Definition
The hypothesis that life exists throughout the Universe and is distributed by space dust, meteoroids, asteroids, comets, or planetoids.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words 'pan' (all) and 'sperma' (seed). It was coined by the Greek philosopher Anaxagoras and later adopted by modern scientists to describe the potential 'seeding' of life across space.
In the news
The term is used here as a categorical header for academic and scientific discussions regarding the origins and potential distribution of life beyond Earth. It matters because it frames the search for life in the context of biological transfer between planetary bodies.
NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,204 12 June 2026 (Space Life Science Research Results)
Read the full article ↗Astrobiology News