Astrobiology

Astrobiology is the study of the origins of the universe and where the universe is going. It includes the search for extraterrestrial life based on findings of water and carbon, the search for habitable environments in our Solar System and habitable planets outside our Solar System, the search for evidence of prebiotic chemistry, laboratory and field research into the origins and early changes of life on Earth, and studies of the potential for life to adapt to challenges on Earth and in space.

Related is Xenobiology, the search for more "alien" life-forms, not exluding life in non-terrestrial planets, stars, or larger or more exotic celestial bodies.