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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010321043 | QB981 S27 2012 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
Searching... | 30000010312200 | QB981 S27 2012 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
What is the origin of the universe? Are we alone in the Universe? Using clear and plain language, the author explores these two interesting scientific-philosophical themes with a broad range of studies, including astronomy, cosmology, chemistry, biology, geology and planet science. The first part discusses the origins of everything, from the Big Bang to humankind. It follows the long course of evolution - from original matter to the formation of more complex structures, from the furthest galaxies to the nearest stars, from planets to organic molecules, from the first and most elementary forms of life through to the reptiles, the dinosaurs and the advent of man. The second part traces the history of the Earth and evaluates the risks of extinction in the future as predicted by scientists. Is the Earth the only habitable planet in the Universe? This question initiates the discussion on the importance of the Earth's position in the solar system and the significance of our geologically alive planet. The final part is dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial beings with identifiable life forms. It also describes attempts for searching, from the past to the near future. This remarkable book provides the best answers we have to the epic questions about us and our place in the universe.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
This work, originally in Italian, will appeal to the novice and lay reader who want to see the "big picture" without bothering about the nuances of oversimplification that sometimes appear in the book. Professionals in other fields will also appreciate the clarity with which Saraceno (Institute for Astrophysics and Space Planetology, Italy) presents current knowledge of our origins (the big bang, galaxies, stars, planets, the elements, and life), Earth's history (habitability, appearance and extinction of various species, and uniqueness), and the search for life in the universe outside of Earth and the solar system. Seldom does the author credit scientists for their discoveries, concentrating more on the influence their investigations had on the development of the field. The book includes very readable figures and photographs that accompany the text, many of which are in color, but future editions would benefit from more copy editing to correct spelling errors. The appendixes cover the various characteristics of light and the electromagnetic spectrum, the concept of spatial resolution, and numerical measurements. A one-page list of acronyms and a very sparse two-page index complete the work. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers, lower- and upper-division undergraduates, and non-astronomy professionals. W. E. Howard III formerly, Universities Space Research Association
Table of Contents
| Acknowledgements | p. v |
| Preface | p. vii |
| Part I Origins | p. 1 |
| Chapter 1 Our Origins | p. 3 |
| Chapter 2 The Beginning of Everything | p. 13 |
| Chapter 3 Origins of Stars and Planets | p. 45 |
| Chapter 4 The Origin of the Elements | p. 79 |
| Chapter 5 The Origins of Life | p. 107 |
| Part II The Case of the Earth | p. 153 |
| Chapter 6 History of the Earth | p. 155 |
| Chapter 7 Extinctions | p. 193 |
| Chapter 8 An Inhabitable Planet | p. 229 |
| Chapter 9 The Importance of Continental Drift | p. 255 |
| Chapter 10 The Earth: A Rare Planet? | p. 289 |
| Part III In Search of Another Gaia | p. 313 |
| Chapter 11 In Search of ETI | p. 315 |
| Chapter 12 The Measurement | p. 331 |
| Appendix A Astronomical Observations | p. 349 |
| Appendix B A Few Numbers | p. 365 |
| Conclusion | p. 371 |
| Index | p. 375 |
