Other Worlds : The Search for Life in the Universe

by Michael D. Lemonick

• ISBN13: 9780684853130
• ISBN10: 0684853132
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-05-21
• Publisher: Touchstone

Summary

Are we, or are we not, alone?In this tour de force of popular science writing, Michael D. Lemonick describes the fascinating search to discover the answer this intriguing question. Recent events -- including speculation that life may have existed on Mars and the discovery that there are more planets outside our solar system than in it -- continually spur new theories and new investigations.Other Worldstakes readers to Mauna Kea, where astronomers monitor the skies through powerful telescopes; to West Virginia, where radio antennas listen for alien broadcasts; and to meetings with NASA officials, who are forging new paths in the exploration of the cosmos. Featuring interviews with the scientists who are leading these breakthroughs, this astonishing book will captivate everyone from science-fiction buffs to serious science readers.

Author Biography

Michael D. Lemonick is the Senior Science Writer at Time and a two-time winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science-Westinghouse Science Writing Award. The author of The Light at the Edge of the Universe, he lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

Table of Contents

Introduction

History

The Drake Equation

Planet Quest

Oops, Never Mind

Other Worlds

What Is a Planet?

Sharper Vision

The Mirror Lab

Beyond the Telescope

Where Do You Look?

Life in the Solar System

Life on Mars?

Listening for Extraterrestrials

Conclusion

A Note on Sources

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.