We Are Not Alone: Why We Have Already Found Extraterrestrial Life

by Dirk Schulze-Makuch, David Darling

The question ‘Are we alone?’ has permeated human thought since ancient times, and today the possibility of alien life and intergalactic travellers remains a bountiful source of inspiration for science fiction. In this compelling and controversial work, Dirk Schulze-Makuch and David Darling boldly argue that extraterrestrial life is actually astrobiological fact, and what’s more it abounds! Far from existing light-years away in the outer reaches of space, it’s on our very doorstep: for persuasive evidence we need look no further than our celestial neighbour, Mars. Expertly probing the latest scientific evidence for microbial life, including from the Phoenix probe, which landed on Mars in 2008, Schulze-Makuch and Darling argue that extraterrestrial life is a near certainty both in the Solar System and beyond. Also exploring the potentially huge implications of future encounters with sapient beings, this book will provide a thrilling read for anyone interested in popular science or science fiction. Dr. Dirk Schulze-Makuch is currently an Associate Professor in Astrobiology at Washington State University. His research has been widely published in media ranging from academic journals to The New Scientist. David Darling is an award winning popular science writer. He is the bestselling author of Equations of Eternity.

Genres: Science

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Cialan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The key here is the authors are talking about ET, not ETI-- the "i" standing for "intelligence." There's life from the galaxy, microorganisms and they ARE here, but it's questionable whether these little things form some sort of group capable of decision-making. But the science fiction possibilities for this situation seem as infinite as the guesses about where these microorganisms came from, how long they've been here or by what means they were transported.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this but think it could've been shorter and got to the conclusion quicker. Perhaps by adding the later chapters as appendices.

[Kasey Haught · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly overoptimistic regarding indications of life by the Viking lander tests and Martian meteorites, but this book takes a good, well-communicated look at the geochemistries of potentially habitable worlds throughout the solar system.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary of previous missions to detect life in the solar system. The book incorporates many of the recent discoveries of life here on earth at the limit of temperature, darkness and pressure extremes, so called extrem0aphiles. The book also makes a good case for the failure of previous Mars missions to detect life in view of the current broader definition of life we have today.