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Library | Item Barcode | Call Number | Material Type | Item Category 1 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... | 30000010121529 | QD325 I57 2004 | Open Access Book | Book | Searching... |
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Summary
Summary
Compiled by a team of experts, this textbook has been designed for introductory university courses in astrobiology. It starts with a detailed examination of how life may have arisen on Earth and looks at fossil evidence of early life. The evidence for possible life on Mars is reviewed in detail and the potential for life on Europa and Titan is also examined. The possibility of life in exoplanetary systems is considered and the book concludes with a discussion of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Written in an accessible style that avoids complex mathematics, and illustrated in colour throughout, this book is suitable for self-study and will appeal to amateur enthusiasts as well as undergraduate students. It contains numerous helpful learning features such as boxed summaries, student exercises with full solutions, and a glossary of terms. The book is also supported by a website hosting further teaching materials.
Reviews 1
Choice Review
Astrobiology is a new scientific discipline that is truly interdisciplinary. Practitioners of astrobiology are still in the process of establishing the core content of their field of study; trying to create balance among the topics emphasized is the challenge presented to any basic book on this subject. That said, this book does an admirable job of presenting such a balance, but there is a clear emphasis here on planetary science. The textual material is highly accurate even in areas outside the planetary focus. The balanced approach to topics such as early life is admirable. The editors have included material on how life may have arisen on Earth and fossil evidence of early life. Evidence for life on Mars is presented along with a discussion of how life might arise on Jovian moon Europa and Saturnian moon Titan. Pedagogically, the use of side boxes and question/answer boxes is excellent. This is perhaps the best book on the market as a course resource in astrobiology. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals. P. K. Strother Boston College
Table of Contents
| 1 Origin of life |
| 2 A habitable world |
| 3 Mars |
| 4 Icy bodies: Europa and elsewhere |
| 5 Titan |
| 6 The detection of exoplanets |
| 7 The nature of exoplanetary systems |
| 8 How to find life on exoplanets |
| 9 Extraterrestrial intelligence |
| Answers and comments |
| Appendix A Useful planetary data |
| Appendix B Selected physical constants and unit conversions |
| Glossary |
| Acknowledgements |
| Index |
