ABSTRACT

This book provides an introduction, from the astronomical point of view of the author, to the exciting search for extra-terrestrial life, and an overview of the current status of research into ‘alien’ life in the Solar System and beyond. It also explores the potential future human exploration of the Moon and Mars.

Up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and accompanied by key references for further study, it is a fantastic introduction to the field of astrobiology for non-science majors taking an elective module, in addition to undergraduates studying physics with an interest in this area.

Features:

  • Contains the latest groundbreaking research in the hunt for life outside of Earth
  • Discusses the identification of biosignatures in exo-planets
  • Reviews future options for human outposts on the Moon and Mars

chapter Chapter 1|6 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 2|9 pages

Cosmological Process Leading to Life on Earth

chapter Chapter 3|21 pages

Events in the Milky Way and Solar System

chapter Chapter 4|7 pages

Main Characteristics of Living Organisms

chapter Chapter 5|13 pages

Water and Life

chapter Chapter 6|13 pages

Human Outposts on the Moon and on Mars

chapter Chapter 7|13 pages

Comets, Asteroids, Meteorites, Death and Life

chapter Chapter 8|7 pages

The Cometary Mission Rosetta

chapter Chapter 9|8 pages

Planets of Nearby Stars

chapter Chapter 10|7 pages

Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence, SETI

chapter Chapter 11|2 pages

Conclusions