astrobiology n.

The subject of astrobiology—the consideration of life in the universe elsewhere than on earth—is one that has been so often and so inadequately treated that the immediate and natural tendency of an experienced reader is to expect another bit of pseudo-scientific romancing.

In view of the widespread acceptance of the theory that the dark areas of Mars…may be vegetative growths, their study and interpretation would then belong to a new science of astrobiology, a branch that is calling out for recruits.

To capture the public interest, the events ranged from conferences (four, one of them by Mr. Flavio Pereira, an expert on flying saucers and astrobiology) to the re-run of old SF movie pictures.

Astrobiology is still an infant science, and one aware of its need for something concrete to study.