Astrobiology: The Search for Life Elsewhere in the Universe (Hot Science)

Extraterrestrial life is a common theme in science fiction, but is it a serious prospect in the real world? Astrobiology is the emerging field of science that seeks to answer this question. The possibility of life elsewhere in the cosmos is one of the most profound subjects that human beings can ponder. Astrophysicist Andrew May gives an expert overview of our current state of knowledge, looking at how life started on Earth, the tell-tale ‘signatures’ it produces, and how such signatures might be detected elsewhere in the Solar System or on the many ‘exoplanets’ now being discovered by the Kepler and TESS missions. Along the way the book addresses key questions such as the riddle of Fermi’s paradox (‘Where is everybody?’) and the crucial role of DNA and water – they’re essential to ‘life as we know it’, but is the same true of alien life? And the really big question: when we eventually find extraterrestrials, will they be friendly or hostile? Its one of the most important and fascinating questions human beings can ponder, and astrobiology is the emerging field of science that tries to answer it. Astronomer Rhodri Evans gives an expert overview of our current state of knowledge, looking at how life started on Earth, considering other places in the Solar System that might harbour life, then discussing possible Earth-like exoplanets orbiting stars further out into our galaxy and what future missions and studies will tell us about extraterrestrial life there. Along the way the book answers some key questions: How can we answer Fermis paradox (Where is everybody?)? Is water essential for life, or just a best bet for finding it? And how will we know when we find alien life, if it doesnt follow the same principles as Earth life? Dr Rhodri Evans main area of research is extra-galactic astronomy. For the past sixteen years he has been involved in airborne astronomy, and is part of the team building the facility far-infrared camera for SOFIA. He also does research in star-formation and cosmology and is a regular contributor to TV, radio and public lectures. Are we alone in the Universe, or are there as many planets supporting life as there are stars in the sky?