Goldilocks and the Water Bears: The Search for Life in the Universe (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781472920096)

Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe from its origins to its evolution into intelligent sentient beings. All life as we know it is carbon-based, reliant on sources of liquid water and energy for its survival, and as far as we are aware, exists only on Earth.

Our planet occupies a unique spot in the solar system. It is just the right distance from the Sun--within the so-called Goldilocks Zone--to be not too hot or too cold for liquid water to be stable on its surface, which, together with a protective shielding atmosphere, allowed the four-billion-year journey from a single-celled organism to an upright humanoid species. Most of primordial life, if seen today, would be classified as "alien," as it bears little resemblance to anything that currently exists.

We can learn much about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life by studying the conveyer belt of life forms from our planet's history and by exploring organisms still present in harsh environments on Earth that mimic those on other worlds. These organisms, called "extremophiles," are directing our search for alien life throughout the solar system and beyond. Could we one day find Earth's toughest animal, the microscopic water bear, living under the surface of another world? Goldilocks and the Water Bears is an accessible introduction to the most fascinating of all the astro-sciences--the quest to learn whether we are alone in the universe.

Author: Louisa Preston
ISBN-10: 1472920090
ISBN-13: 9781472920096
Publisher: Bloomsbury SIGMA
Language: English
Published: 11/08/2016
Pages: 288
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 8.81h x 5.63w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/27/2016
Library Journal 09/15/2016 pg. 110
Booklist 09/15/2016 pg. 7
Kirkus Reviews 10/01/2016
Shelf Awareness 11/25/2016