The Secret Life of the Universe

‘A highly readable, entertaining and mind-expanding read from a formidable scientist’ iNews<BR><BR> ‘A highly informative survey of the current state of astrobiology’ Literary Review<BR><BR>Over the last few decades, space exploration has revolutionised our understanding of our place in the cosmos. We now know that there are many habitable environments within our solar system. Yet a profound question remains: are we alone in the universe?<BR><BR> Nathalie A. Cabrol, leading astrobiologist and director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, takes us to the frontiers of the search for life. This book’s odyssey begins by searching for how life began on Earth in order to understand what’s necessary for life to exist elsewhere. What role did our moon play? And could life on Mars, or another world, have seeded life on Earth?<BR><BR> Cabrol continues this dazzling interplanetary tour, illuminating the likeliest places for life in our neighbourhood: Venus, Mars, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and Pluto. Finally, we seek life beyond our solar system, looking at the recent revolution in the night sky: the realisation that there are millions of exoplanets within our galaxy that could support life.<BR><BR>The Secret Life of the Universe is both a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the latest discoveries and an awe-inspiring exploration of what this means for us as humans on Earth today. It’s an exhilarating journey, perfect for anyone who has ever looked up at the stars and wondered what might be out there.

‘A highly readable, entertaining and mind-expanding read from a formidable scientist’ iNews<BR><BR> ‘A highly informative survey of the current state of astrobiology’ Literary Review<BR><BR>Over the last few decades, space exploration has revolutionised our understanding of our place in the cosmos. We now know that there are many habitable environments within our solar system. Yet a profound question remains: are we alone in the universe?<BR><BR> Nathalie A. Cabrol, leading astrobiologist and director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, takes us to the frontiers of the search for life. This book’s odyssey begins by searching for how life began on Earth in order to understand what’s necessary for life to exist elsewhere. What role did our moon play? And could life on Mars, or another world, have seeded life on Earth?<BR><BR> Cabrol continues this dazzling interplanetary tour, illuminating the likeliest places for life in our neighbourhood: Venus, Mars, the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, and Pluto. Finally, we seek life beyond our solar system, looking at the recent revolution in the night sky: the realisation that there are millions of exoplanets within our galaxy that could support life.<BR><BR>The Secret Life of the Universe is both a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the latest discoveries and an awe-inspiring exploration of what this means for us as humans on Earth today. It’s an exhilarating journey, perfect for anyone who has ever looked up at the stars and wondered what might be out there.<BR><BR> The hardcover edition includes integrated black and white illustrations throughout, and a 16-page colour plate section.

‘A highly readable, entertaining and mind-expanding read from a formidable scientist’ iNews<BR><BR>How did life begin on Earth? Could it exist on other planets? Or are we alone in the universe?<BR><BR> In recent years, incredible breakthroughs have revolutionised our understanding of the cosmos. New discoveries include the existence of millions of exoplanets, many of which could be a potential habitat for extraterrestrial life. Nathalie A. Cabrol, celebrated astrobiologist and director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, is the perfect guide to this golden age of astronomy.<BR><BR>The Secret Life of the Universe starts with the beginning of life on our own planet, before embarking on an exhilarating tour of the Solar System and beyond. This dazzling book explores the conditions and habitats where life may be found, and searches for answers to questions that have preoccupied humankind for centuries.<BR>  <BR>‘A mind-altering and exhilarating read’<BR> Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk<BR>  <BR>‘An enthralling read . . . it’s sure to captivate readers from start to finish’ <BR>BBC Sky at Night<BR>