exobiology

Explains the idea that astronomy includes biology, geology, and chemistry and discusses how finding rocky planets like our own that orbit other stars may answer questions about the origins of life here and elsewhere. Describes how the collaborative work of astronomers, chemists, geologists, and biologists has begun working out the unseen biochemistries that other planets could support. Includes chapter notes and an index.

Examines astrobiologist Dr. Chris McKay's efforts to prove that life does exist beyond Earth, with behind-the-scenes photographs capturing McKay and his research team at work studying microbes that live beyond all odds and trying to determine if they can thrive in space.

Discusses what other planets may have the right conditions to support life and surveys aliens, unidentified flying objects, and our exploration of space.