Goldilocks and the Water Bears: The Search for Life in the Universe
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.70 (569 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 1472920112 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 288 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-06-17 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
. Louisa Preston is an astrobiologist and planetary geologist whose research has included the search for signs of life that could survive the harsh environments of Mars. Preston lives in London, England. She has a Ph.D. in astrobiology and planetary geology from Imperial College London and has completed two
Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe from its origins to its evolution into intelligent sentient beings. Our planet occupies a unique spot in the solar system. All life as we know it is carbon-based, reliant on sources of liquid water and energy for its survival, and as far as we are aware, exists only on Earth. We can learn much about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life by studying the conveyer belt of life forms from our planet's history and by exploring organisms still present in harsh environments on Earth that mimic those on other worlds. These organisms, called "extremophiles," are directing our search for alien life throughout the solar system and beyond. It is just the right distance from the Sun--within the so-called Goldilocks Zone--to be not too hot or too cold
In her brief history of the Earth, and of the other rocks that hurtle around space with us, Preston shows just how very lucky we are to live on a planet that is--for now at least--just right." - VICE. "Preston’s accessible writing style, enthusiasm, and optimism succeed at informing as well as tickling readers’ imaginations." - Publishers Weekly"A solid, absorbing background to what makes life possible." - Kirkus Reviews"Ably distilling complicated science into digestible portions, Preston’s balance of wonkiness and wide appeal is also 'just right' and suited for anyone who’s interested in the Curiosity rover’s exploits on Mars and wants to learn more." - Booklist"Preston surveys the emerging field of astrobiology with scholarly depth and layman accessibility G