Understanding Life in the Universe

Explores the possible nature of extraterrestrial life, and how similar it may be to life on Earth.

Wallace Arthur (Author)

9781009207362, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 November 2022

190 pages
18.5 x 13.3 x 1.4 cm, 0.29 kg

'A tremendously broad and comprehensive look at the whole panoply of issues surrounding our search for extraterrestrial life. A very useful text for anyone just starting on an exploration of the possibilities of life in the universe.' Arik Kershenbaum, University of Cambridge, UK, author of The Zoologist's Guide to the Galaxy

The two most fascinating questions about extraterrestrial life are where it is found and what it is like. In particular, from our Earth-based vantage point, we are keen to know where the closest life to us is, and how similar it might be to life on our home planet. This book deals with both of these key issues. It considers possible homes for life, with a focus on Earth-like exoplanets. And it examines the possibility that life elsewhere might be similar to life here, due to the existence of parallel environments, which may result in Darwinian selection producing parallel trees of life between one planet and another. Understanding Life in the Universe provides an engaging and myth-busting overview for any reader interested in the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, and the realistic possibility of discovering credible evidence for it in the near future.

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
1. The search for extraterrestrial life
2. Where in the universe to look?
3. Evolution – here and elsewhere
4. The key concept of habitability
5. Life in the solar system
6. Life in other planetary systems
7. The nature of extraterrestrial life
8. Intelligence – here and elsewhere
Concluding remarks
Summary of common misunderstandings
References and further reading
Figure credits
Index.

Subject Areas: Popular astronomy & space [WNX], Rocks, minerals & fossils [WNR], UFOs & extraterrestrial beings [VXQB], Space science [TTD], Evolution [PSAJ], Biology, life sciences [PS], Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS], Popular science [PDZ]