Astrobiology is a field of research that has recently garnered significant public interest. Astrobiological questions are now often used to justify research expenditures by NASA and other governmental organizations. Due to this broad interest, there is a need for a detailed yet accessible introduction to this field. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of the field contributes to a substantial need for communication and mediation. Cosmologists often do not understand the jargon of biochemists and vice versa. This book contains all relevant details, yet remains accessible to readers from all disciplines.