Our neighboring planets may have the answer to this question. Scientists have already identified ice caps on Mars and what appear to be enormous oceans underneath the ice of Jupiter's moons. The atmosphere on Venus appeared harsh and insupportable of life, composed of a toxic atmosphere and oceans of acid -- until scientists concluded that Earth's atmosphere was eerily similar billions of years ago. An extraterrestrial colony, in some form, may already exist, just awaiting discovery. But the greatest impediment to such an important scientific discovery may not be technological, but political. No scientific endeavor can be launched without a budget, and matters of money are within the arena of politicians. Dr. Ben Bova explores some of the key players and the arguments waged in a debate of both scientific and cultural priorities, showing the emotions, the controversy, and the egos involved in arguably the most important scientific pursuit ever begun.

This book describes a wide variety of speculations by many authors about the consequences for humanity of coming into contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The assumptions underlying those speculations are examined, and some conclusions are drawn. The book emphasizes the consequences of contact rather than the search, and takes account of popular views. As necessary background, the book also includes brief summaries of the history of thinking about extraterrestrial intelligence, searches for life and for signals, contrasting paradigms of how contact might take place, and the paradox that those paradigms allegedly create.

Interest in exoplanets--the worlds of other stars--is not new. From the late 17th century until the end of the 19th, almost all educated people believed that the stars are suns surrounded by inhabited planets--a belief that was expressed not in science fiction, but in serious speculation, both scientific and religious, as well as in poetry. Only during the first half of the 20th century was it thought that life-bearing exoplanets are rare. This is not a science book--rather, it belongs to the category known as History of Ideas. First published by Atheneum in 1974, it tells the story of the rise, fall, and eventual renewal of widespread conviction that we are not alone in the universe. In this 2012 updated edition the chapters dealing with modern speculation have been revised to reflect the progress science has made during the past 40 years, including the actual detection of planets orbiting other stars. However, it is not intended to be more than a brief introduction to today's views; its focus is on little-known facts about those of the past. Why should we care what our forebears believed? Now, the question of ET life is a matter for investigation by science. Yet it's significant that most educated people of past centuries were convinced that other inhabited worlds exist, without any scientific evidence whatsoever. This historical fact reveals that human beings have an instinctive sense of kinship with the wider universe and a desire to see the realms that lie beyond this one small planet--and perhaps, eventually, to go there. Our ancestors conceived of such voyages only in a spiritual sense, as occurring after death. But we who have taken our first small steps into space are aware that our descendants may set foot on the worlds of other suns. Just as in the 17th century people were initially upset by the new knowledge that the stars are suns scattered in space rather than lights fixed to a nearby sphere, the growing awareness that Earth is not safely isolated from whatever lies beyond makes many of our contemporaries uneasy. Thus today's predominant feelings about spaceships are ambivalent. Nevertheless, if an impulse toward belief that we are not alone in the universe is indeed an innate characteristic of human beings, as the past spread of belief in inhabited exoplanets suggests, we can be sure that those who follow us will not turn back from becoming spacefarers.

If we have learned anything from recent advances in cosmology and astronomy, it is that we have only barely begun to comprehend the vastness of our universe and all that it contains. For Christians, this raises some fascinating questions: If there are intelligent beings out there, what would be their relationship to what Christianity claims is a special history on Earth of life with God? Would the fact of persons on other planets banish or modify our understanding of God? Would it reduce the importance of Jesus? What role might goodness and evil play in extraterrestrial civilizations? Might God have incarnated himself among other races of creatures, as he became incarnate as Jesus among us? Respectful of the sciences that disclose the reality of the universe, Thomas O'Meara wonders about good and evil, intelligence and freedom, revelation and life as they might exist in other galaxies. In this book, one possible aspect of the universe we live in meets the perspective of Christian revelation.

This book depicts a knowledge odyssey guided by engineering and physics concepts that are honed into pathways that help define certain parts of the natural world as we believe it to be. Stark differences are drawn from our interface with this virtual world that societies have concocted throughout the eons of time. This odyssey travels from the microcosm to the macrocosm; from infinity to infinity.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, where stars ignite and galaxies collide, a grand tale unfolds—a mesmerizing science fiction space travel adventure that takes us on a journey beyond the limits of our imagination. It is a story of discovery, exploration, and the boundless potential that lies within the cosmos. In this epic narrative, we follow the starship Orion and its courageous crew as they navigate the cosmic currents, propelled by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a relentless spirit of adventure. Their mission: to explore uncharted frontiers, encounter cosmic phenomena, and unravel the mysteries of the universe. Guided by their intrepid captain, Jonathan Ryder, the crew embarks on a series of breathtaking chapters, each one a standalone masterpiece that paints a vivid picture of the wonders that await them. From encounters with celestial anomalies to voyages into realms of cosmic consciousness, they traverse the depths of space, forever transformed by the revelations that unfold. As the story unfolds, we witness the crew's awe-inspiring experiences within the Celestial Nexus—a gateway to enlightenment, the Interstellar Tapestry—an intricate web of cosmic history, the Eternal Nexus—an exploration of time and destiny, and the Quantum Alchemy—a cosmic art of transformation. They traverse the Cosmic Nexus, where interconnectedness binds all things, and embrace the Stellar Symphony—a harmony of celestial bodies. Ultimately, they venture into the Infinite Horizon, a realm of infinite potential and uncharted territories. Throughout their journey, the crew discovers the interplay of cosmic forces, grapples with the ethical implications of their newfound powers, and wrestles with the fundamental questions of existence. They learn to embrace the unknown, to trust in the interconnectedness of all things, and to harness the limitless potential within themselves. As each chapter unfolds, our hearts race with anticipation, our minds expand with cosmic revelations, and our spirits soar with the crew's triumphs and tribulations. The story captures the essence of humanity's innate curiosity and unyielding desire to explore the cosmos, showcasing the beauty and mysteries that lie beyond our familiar blue planet. This award-winning science fiction space travel adventure transcends the boundaries of imagination, inviting us to embark on a cosmic odyssey filled with wonder, wisdom, and the timeless yearning to understand our place in the grand tapestry of the universe. So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt, open your mind to the infinite possibilities that await, and join the crew of the starship Orion as they set sail into the unknown, forever driven by the relentless spirit of discovery.

This book explores the science of extraterrestrial life, with a particular emphasis on the existence of intelligent alien civilizations. It introduces the reader to the basic chemistry associated with life on Earth and describes the planetary and stellar environments that allow us to exist. It also discusses the likelihood of alien life developing at other locations in our galaxy, along with the possibility that we will meet or communicate with them. This book is suitable for use as a text in an introductory "Life in the Universe" course. REVIEWS: Blog Critics Magazine written by Regis Schilken http://blogcritics.org/archives/2009/03/16/082715.php