Planets and Life: The Emerging Science of Astrobiology

by Woodruff T. Sullivan III (Editor), John Baross (Editor)

Astrobiology involves the study of the origin and history of life on Earth, planets and moons where life may have arisen, and the search for extraterrestrial life. It combines the sciences of biology, chemistry, palaeontology, geology, planetary physics and astronomy. This textbook brings together world experts in each of these disciplines to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the field currently available. Topics cover the origin and evolution of life on Earth, the geological, physical and chemical conditions in which life might arise and the detection of extraterrestrial life on other planets and moons. The book also covers the history of our ideas on extraterrestrial life and the origin of life, as well as the ethical, philosophical and educational issues raised by astrobiology. Written to be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, this text will be welcomed by advanced undergraduates and graduates who are taking astrobiology courses.

Genres: Science

628 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Nick Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great collection of essays, each of them encompassing the forefront (so far as i could tell) of their own research areas. not a very cohesive textbook, though. probably the best available at this time.