The quest for extraterrestrial life doesn't happen only in science
fiction. This book 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? Come along on this
scientific adventure and learn the astonishing implications of
discoveries made in this field for the future of the human race.
Bennett, who believes that "science is a way of helping people come to
agreement," explains how the search for extraterrestrial life can help
bridge the divide that sometimes exists between science and religion,
defuse public rancor over the teaching of evolution, and quiet the
debate over global warming. He likens humanity today to a troubled
adolescent teetering on the edge between self-destruction and a future
of virtually limitless possibilities. Beyond UFOs shows why the very
quest to find alien life can help us to grow up as a species and chart
a course for the stars. In a new afterword, Bennett shares the most
recent developments in extrasolar research, and discusses how they
might further our quest to find alien life.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781400838486
Publisert
2013
Utgiver
Vendor
Princeton University Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter