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Cosmic Company

Cosmic Company

Cosmic Company

The Search for Life in the Universe
Seth Shostak, SETI Institute, California
Alex Barnett, National Space Centre, Leicester
October 2003
Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint
Hardback
9780521822336
£55.99
GBP
Hardback

    Is there life elsewhere in the universe? What might it be like and how will we ever find it? Cosmic Company ponders the possibility of aliens visiting the Earth, as well as what it would mean if we were to pick up a signal from the cosmos that would prove we're neither alone, nor the smartest creatures in creation. It explains why scientists think life might be plentiful on other worlds, and how we might get in touch. Containing a thorough overview of the science and technology behind the search for life, the book highlights current and future space missions and research, which are aiming to answer some of the greatest questions mankind has ever asked. This easy-to-read book, by two experienced writers of popular astronomy, is suitable for anyone who ever wondered whether there's anybody out there…

    • An easy-to-read overview of the science and technology behind the search for life in the universe
    • Discusses the real possibility of finding life elsewhere
    • Illustrated in colour throughout

    Awards

    Seth Shostak is the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Klumpke-Roberts award given by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. This award was established by astronomer Dorothea Klumpke-Roberts, and recognizes outstanding contributions to the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy.

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    Reviews & endorsements

    '… it's likely to become a classic on the subject, and is entertaining and informative enough for anyone to read with pleasure … the illustrations are particularly good - characterful, informative, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. High recommended.' Focus

    'The copious, full colour illustrations are fun … ranging from fine astronomical photographs to whimsical portraits of imaginary aliens … This would be a good read for an enquiring 10 or 12 year old, or for an adult who wants a quick and accessible primer into the world of SETI research.' Astronomy Now

    '… it is clearly written and the material is accurate and jargon-free … there are many handsome colour illustrations … overall, I enjoyed reading this short book. It should give the general reader a basic insight into SETI, how it is done, and how important it is to do it.' The Observatory

    'Cosmic Company is a concise and up-to-date account of the aims, hopes, problems and challenges that arise in the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.' Astronomy and Space

    'The copious, full-colour illustrations are fun, though, ranging from fine astronomical photographs to whimsical portraits of imaginary aliens. … This would be a good read for an enquiring 10 or 12 year old, or for an adult who wants a quick and accessible primer into the world of SETI research.' Astronomy Now

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    Product details

    October 2003
    Hardback
    9780521822336
    168 pages
    255 × 196 × 18 mm
    0.654kg
    18 b/w illus. 97 colour illus.
    Out of stock in print form with no current plan to reprint

    Table of Contents

    • Introduction
    • 1. Habitats for life
    • 2. What might the aliens be like
    • 3. Intelligent life
    • 4. Visitors from afar
    • 5. How might we get in touch?
    • 6. The Drake Equation
    • 7. The future.
      Authors
    • Seth Shostak , SETI Institute, California

      Seth Shostak is a Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, Mountain View, California.

    • Alex Barnett , National Space Centre, Leicester

      Alex Barnett is CEO of the Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, California.