Astrobiological Perspectives on Abiogenesis: Review of The Influence of Celestial Planetary Bodies on Prebiotic Chemistry

The origin of life (abiogenesis) remains a fundamental question in astrobiology, bridging the gap between inorganic chemistry and emergent biological complexity. This review synthesizes cutting-edge research on how planetary environments—ranging from early Earth and Mars to icy moons (e.g., Europa, Enceladus) and exoplanets—govern prebiotic chemical pathways. We critically assess the role of planetary conditions in facilitating key processes such as biomolecular polymerization, stabilization of reactive intermediates, and the accumulation of organic precursors. Geochemical and astrophysical evidence indicates that environmental factors—including hydrothermal vent systems, impact-induced shock synthesis, UV photochemistry, and tidal heating—profoundly influence reaction thermodynamics and kinetics. Mineral surfaces on early Earth and Mars may have acted as catalytic scaffolds for peptide and nucleic acid assembly, while the cryogenic subsurface oceans of icy moons could preserve prebiotic organics over geological timescales. Exogenous delivery mechanisms, such as cometary and asteroidal impacts, may have supplied chiral molecules and amphiphilic compounds, potentially driving homochiral selectivity and protocell membrane formation. Furthermore, we evaluate how planetary-scale factors—including magnetic field strength, atmospheric redox state, and stellar UV/X-ray flux—either promote or suppress prebiotic chemistry. By integrating observational data, laboratory experiments, and computational astrochemical models, this review highlights the dynamic interplay between astrophysical conditions and planetary geochemistry in determining abiogenesis potential across cosmic environments. These insights not only refine theoretical frameworks for life’s emergence but also inform future astrobiological missions by identifying high-priority targets and detectable biosignatures in extraterrestrial settings.