| Description |
xiv, 211 pages, 8 pages of plates : illustrations (some color) ; 24 cm |
| Note |
Includes index. |
| Summary |
Describes the startling discoveries being made in the very real science of astrobiology, an intriguing new field that blends astronomy, biology, and geology to explore the possibility of life on other planets. Jeffrey Bennett takes readers beyond UFOs to discuss some of the tantalizing questions astrobiologists grapple with every day: What is life and how does it begin? What makes a planet or moon habitable? Is there life on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system? How can life be recognized on distant worlds? Is it likely to be microbial, more biologically complex--or even intelligent? What would such a discovery mean for life here on Earth?--From publisher description. |
| Contents |
Preface : Alien dreams -- Acknowledgments -- 1. Worlds beyond imagination -- 2. What makes it science? -- 3. What I know about aliens -- 4. What is life? -- 5. Getting life started -- 6. The makings of a truly great planet -- 7. Life in the solar system -- 8. Life among the stars -- 9. The search for extraterrestrial intelligence -- 10. Where is everybody? -- To learn more -- Index. |
| Subject |
Exobiology.
|
|
Life on other planets.
|
|
Life -- Origin.
|
| ISBN |
9780691135496 alkaline paper |
|
0691135495 alkaline paper |
|
