Evolution of the problem "search for life in the Universe" from some examples

TL;DR

This paper reviews the historical development of astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial life from antiquity to the modern era, highlighting key milestones and lesser-known studies over time.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive historical overview of astrobiology's evolution, emphasizing the progression of scientific thought and research from ancient times to the present.

Findings

Historical milestones in astrobiology identified

Analysis of scientific publications on extraterrestrial life over 20th century

Highlighting lesser-known studies in astrobiology history

Abstract

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Drake formula, it appears interesting to briefly review the history of Astrobiology from the origins up to the epoch of the Drake formula. After recalling the main steps of this history during Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, we point out some little known or unknown studies during the Modern and Contemporary epochs. Then we review the importance of astrobiology and the search for life in the Universe in the scientific publications during the 20th century.