  In this review we explore aspects of the field of astrobiology from an
astronomical viewpoint. We therefore focus on the origin of life in the context
of planetary formation, with additional emphasis on tracing the most abundant
volatile elements, C, H, O, and N that are used by life on Earth. We first
explore the history of life on our planet and outline the current state of our
knowledge regarding the delivery of the C, H, O, N elements to the Earth. We
then discuss how astronomers track the gaseous and solid molecular carriers of
these volatiles throughout the process of star and planet formation. It is now
clear that the early stages of star formation fosters the creation of water and
simple organic molecules with enrichments of heavy isotopes. These molecules
are found as ice coatings on the solid materials that represent microscopic
beginnings of terrestrial worlds. Based on the meteoritic and cometary record,
the process of planet formation, and the local environment, lead to additional
increases in organic complexity. The astronomical connections towards this
stage are only now being directly made. Although the exact details are
uncertain, it is likely that the birth process of star and planets likely leads
to terrestrial worlds being born with abundant water and organics on the
surface.
