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.
BEYOND THE
STaRS Our Origins and the Search for Life in The Universe
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BEYOND THE
STaRS Our Origins and the Search for Life in The Universe
Paolo Saraceno Institute for Astrophysics and Space Planetology INAF, Italy
Translated by
David Goodstein California Institute of Technology, USA
World Scientific NEW JERSEY
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Published by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. 5 Toh Tuck Link, Singapore 596224 USA office: 27 Warren Street, Suite 401-402, Hackensack, NJ 07601 UK office: 57 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9HE
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
Cover image courtesy of Heikenwaelder Hugo © 1998.
BEYOND THE STARS Our Origins and the Search for Life in the Universe Copyright © 2012 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without written permission from the Publisher.
For photocopying of material in this volume, please pay a copying fee through the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. In this case permission to photocopy is not required from the publisher.
ISBN 978-981-4295-53-6 ISBN 978-981-4295-54-3 (pbk)
Typeset by Stallion Press Email:
[email protected]
Printed in Singapore.
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Acknowledgements
This book has been possible thanks to the numerous contributions I had from colleagues and friends. Without their suggestions, the book would p