Beyond The Stars: Our Origins And The Search For Life In The Universe

Beyond The Stars: Our Origins And The Search For Life In The Universe PDF Author: Paolo Saraceno
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814483818
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 388

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Book Description
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.

Beyond The Stars: Our Origins And The Search For Life In The Universe

Beyond The Stars: Our Origins And The Search For Life In The Universe PDF Author: Paolo Saraceno
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814483818
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 388

Get Book Here

Book Description
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.

Probable Impossibilities

Probable Impossibilities PDF Author: Alan Lightman
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0593081323
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209

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Book Description
The acclaimed author of Einstein’s Dreams tackles "big questions like the origin of the universe and the nature of consciousness ... in an entertaining and easily digestible way” (Wall Street Journal) with a collection of meditative essays on the possibilities—and impossibilities—of nothingness and infinity, and how our place in the cosmos falls somewhere in between. Can space be divided into smaller and smaller units, ad infinitum? Does space extend to larger and larger regions, on and on to infinity? Is consciousness reducible to the material brain and its neurons? What was the origin of life, and can biologists create life from scratch in the lab? Physicist and novelist Alan Lightman, whom The Washington Post has called “the poet laureate of science writers,” explores these questions and more—from the anatomy of a smile to the capriciousness of memory to the specialness of life in the universe to what came before the Big Bang. Probable Impossibilities is a deeply engaged consideration of what we know of the universe, of life and the mind, and of things vastly larger and smaller than ourselves.

The Stardust Revolution

The Stardust Revolution PDF Author: Jacob Berkowitz
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 1633888622
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 385

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Book Description
In 1957, as Americans obsessed over the launch of the Soviet Sputnik satellite, another less noticed space-based scientific revolution was taking off. That year, astrophysicists solved a centuries-old quest for the origins of the elements, from carbon to uranium. The answer they found wasn’t on Earth, but in the stars. Their research showed that we are literally stardust. The year also marked the first conference that considered the origin of life on Earth in an astrophysical context. It was the marriage of two of the seemingly strangest bedfellows—astronomy and biology—and a turning point that award-winning science author Jacob Berkowitz calls the Stardust Revolution. In this captivating story of an exciting, deeply personal, new scientific revolution, Berkowitz weaves together the latest research results to reveal a dramatically different view of the twinkling night sky—not as an alien frontier, but as our cosmic birthplace. Reporting from the frontlines of discovery, Berkowitz uniquely captures how stardust scientists are probing the universe’s physical structure, but rather its biological nature. Evolutionary theory is entering the space age. From the amazing discovery of cosmic clouds of life’s chemical building blocks to the dramatic quest for an alien Earth, Berkowitz expertly chronicles the most profound scientific search of our era: to know not just if we are alone, but how we are connected. Like opening a long-hidden box of old family letters and diaries, The Stardust Revolution offers us a new view of where we’ve come from and brings to light our journey from stardust to thinking beings.

Beyond the Stars

Beyond the Stars PDF Author: Devang Rajesh Bhujbal
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey through the cosmos with "Beyond the Stars: Fascinating Facts about the Universe." This captivating book invites readers to explore the mysteries and wonders of the universe, uncovering mind-boggling facts that will leave you spellbound. From the mesmerizing scale of the universe, where galaxies merge into superclusters, to the mind-bending distances and measurements that defy comprehension, this book delves into the awe-inspiring vastness of space. Dive into the captivating concepts of cosmic expansion and the Big Bang Theory, unraveling the origins and evolution of our universe. Discover the majestic stars that adorn our night sky, as you explore their various types, life cycles, and mind-boggling sizes. Journey through the solar system, exploring the unique characteristics of planets and the captivating moons, asteroids, and comets that accompany them. Uncover the explosive deaths of stars in supernovae, shaping the very fabric of the cosmos. Delve into the enigmatic remnants of massive stars, where neutron stars and pulsars exhibit extraordinary properties and unleash unimaginable energies. Explore the depths of black holes, where gravity reigns supreme and the laws of physics are pushed to their limits. Dive into the elusive nature of dark matter and the enigmatic role of dark energy in driving the accelerating expansion of the universe. Engage with current research and theories surrounding these cosmic enigmas, as scientists push the boundaries of knowledge in their quest for understanding. Witness the discovery of exoplanets and their potential for habitability, as humanity takes its first steps towards finding other potentially life-bearing worlds. Explore the characteristics of these distant planets and join the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life, contemplating the profound implications for our place in the universe. Engross yourself in the fascinating world of celestial events, from eclipses to meteor showers, experiencing the grandeur of the universe's captivating spectacles. Marvel at the explosive energy unleashed in gamma-ray bursts and explore the ripples in spacetime caused by gravitational waves. Trace the milestones of space exploration, from the historic Moon landing to the ambitious missions to Mars and beyond. Learn about the robotic probes that have revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and glimpse into the future of space exploration, where interstellar travel becomes a tantalizing possibility. With vivid descriptions, stunning visuals, and expertly curated facts, "Beyond the Stars: Fascinating Facts about the Universe" is an enthralling compendium that will ignite your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for the marvels of the cosmos. Whether you are a space enthusiast, a science lover, or simply someone captivated by the wonders of the universe, this book is your ticket to an extraordinary cosmic adventure. Prepare to be amazed and inspired as you journey beyond the stars.

The Search for Life's Origins

The Search for Life's Origins PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309042461
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems. This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules-the origin of life. This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs-including an ambitious effort centered on Mars-to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years. The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues: The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae. Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life. The evolution of cellular and multicellular life. The search for life outside the solar system. This volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings-including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.

Life in the Cosmos

Life in the Cosmos PDF Author: Manasvi Lingam
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674987578
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1089

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Book Description
A rigorous and scientific analysis of the myriad possibilities of life beyond our planet. ÒAre we alone in the universe?Ó This tantalizing question has captivated humanity over millennia, but seldom has it been approached rigorously. Today the search for signatures of extraterrestrial life and intelligence has become a rapidly advancing scientific endeavor. Missions to Mars, Europa, and Titan seek evidence of life. Laboratory experiments have made great strides in creating synthetic life, deepening our understanding of conditions that give rise to living entities. And on the horizon are sophisticated telescopes to detect and characterize exoplanets most likely to harbor life. Life in the Cosmos offers a thorough overview of the burgeoning field of astrobiology, including the salient methods and paradigms involved in the search for extraterrestrial life and intelligence. Manasvi Lingam and Abraham Loeb tackle three areas of interest in hunting for life Òout thereÓ: first, the pathways by which life originates and evolves; second, planetary and stellar factors that affect the habitability of worlds, with an eye on the biomarkers that may reveal the presence of microbial life; and finally, the detection of technological signals that could be indicative of intelligence. Drawing on empirical data from observations and experiments, as well as the latest theoretical and computational developments, the authors make a compelling scientific case for the search for life beyond what we can currently see. Meticulous and comprehensive, Life in the Cosmos is a master class from top researchers in astrobiology, suggesting that the answer to our age-old question is closer than ever before.

A Universe from Nothing

A Universe from Nothing PDF Author: Lawrence M. Krauss
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1451624476
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Bestselling author and acclaimed physicist Lawrence Krauss offers a paradigm-shifting view of how everything that exists came to be in the first place. “Where did the universe come from? What was there before it? What will the future bring? And finally, why is there something rather than nothing?” One of the few prominent scientists today to have crossed the chasm between science and popular culture, Krauss describes the staggeringly beautiful experimental observations and mind-bending new theories that demonstrate not only can something arise from nothing, something will always arise from nothing. With a new preface about the significance of the discovery of the Higgs particle, A Universe from Nothing uses Krauss’s characteristic wry humor and wonderfully clear explanations to take us back to the beginning of the beginning, presenting the most recent evidence for how our universe evolved—and the implications for how it’s going to end. Provocative, challenging, and delightfully readable, this is a game-changing look at the most basic underpinning of existence and a powerful antidote to outmoded philosophical, religious, and scientific thinking.

Five Billion Years of Solitude

Five Billion Years of Solitude PDF Author: Lee Billings
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 069813768X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 270

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Book Description
“A definitive guide to astronomy’s hottest field.” —The Economist Since its formation nearly five billion years ago, our planet has been the sole living world in a vast and silent universe. But over the past two decades, astronomers have discovered thousands of “exoplanets,” including some that could be similar to our own world, and the pace of discovery is accelerating. In a fascinating account of this unfolding revolution, Lee Billings draws on interviews with the world’s top experts in the search for life beyond earth. He reveals how the search for exoplanets is not only a scientific challenge, but also a reflection of our culture’s timeless hopes, dreams, and fears.

The Evolving Universe and the Origin of Life

The Evolving Universe and the Origin of Life PDF Author: Pekka Teerikorpi
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030179214
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 584

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Book Description
Regarding his discoveries, Sir Isaac Newton famously said, "If I have seen further it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." The Evolving Universe and the Origin of Life describes, complete with fascinating biographical details of the thinkers involved, a history of the universe as interpreted by the expanding body of knowledge of humankind. From subatomic particles to the protein chains that form life, and expanding in scale to the entire universe, this book covers the science that explains how we came to be. This book contains a great breadth of knowledge, from astronomy and physics to chemistry and biology. The second edition brings this story up to date, chronicling scientific achievements in recent years in such fields of research as cosmology, the large-scale architecture of the universe, black holes, exoplanets, and the search for extraterrestrial life. With over 250 figures, this is a non-technical, easy-to-read textbook at an introductory college level that is ideal for anyone interested in science as well as its history.

The Story of Earth's Climate in 25 Discoveries

The Story of Earth's Climate in 25 Discoveries PDF Author: Donald R. Prothero
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN: 023155513X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 721

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Book Description
Over 4.5 billion years, Earth’s climate has transformed tremendously. Before our more temperate recent past, the planet swung from one extreme to another—from a greenhouse world of sweltering temperatures and high sea levels to a “snowball earth” in which glaciers reached the equator. During this history, we now know, living things and the climate have always influenced and even shaped each other. But the climate has never changed as rapidly or as drastically as it has since the Industrial Revolution. In this lively and entertaining book, Donald R. Prothero explores the astonishing connections between climate and life through the ages, telling the remarkable stories of the scientists who made crucial discoveries. Journeying through the intertwined evolution of climate and life, he tackles questions such as: Why do we have phytoplankton to thank for the air we breathe? What kind of climate was necessary for the rise of the dinosaurs—or the mammals, their successors? When and how have climatic changes caused mass extinctions? Prothero concludes with the Ice Ages and the Holocene, the role of climate in human history, and the perils of anthropogenic climate change. Understanding why the climate has changed in the past, this timely book shows, is essential to grasping the gravity of how radically human activity is altering the climate today.