The world's leading textbook on astrobiology--ideal for an
introductory one-semester course and now fully revised and updated
Are we alone in the cosmos? How are scientists seeking signs of life
beyond our home planet? Could we colonize other planets, moons, or even
other star systems? This introductory textbook, written by a team of
four renowned science communicators, educators, and researchers, tells
the amazing story of how modern science is seeking the answers to these
and other fascinating questions. They are the questions that are at the
heart of the highly interdisciplinary field of astrobiology, the study
of life in the universe.
Written in an accessible, conversational style for anyone intrigued by
the possibilities of life in the solar system and beyond, Life in the
Universe is an ideal place to start learning about the latest
discoveries and unsolved mysteries in the field. From the most recent
missions to Saturn's moons and our neighboring planet Mars to
revolutionary discoveries of thousands of exoplanets, from the puzzle of
life's beginning on Earth to the latest efforts in the search for
intelligent life elsewhere, this book captures the imagination and
enriches the reader's understanding of how astronomers, planetary
scientists, biologists, and other scientists make progress at the
cutting edge of this dynamic field. Enriched with a wealth of engaging
features, this textbook brings any citizen of the cosmos up to speed
with the scientific quest to discover whether we are alone or part of a
universe full of life.
- An acclaimed text designed to inspire students of all backgrounds to
explore foundational questions about life in the cosmos
- Completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in
the field, including recent exploratory space missions to Mars,
frontier exoplanet science, research on the origin of life on Earth,
and more
- Enriched with helpful learning aids, including in-chapter Think about
It questions, optional Do the Math and Special Topic boxes, Movie
Madness boxes, end-of-chapter exercises and problems, quick quizzes,
and much more
- Supported by instructor's resources, including an illustration package
and test bank, available upon request
