This book provides concise and cutting-edge reviews in astrobiology a young and still emerging
multidisciplinary field of science that addresses the fundamental questions of how life
originated and diversified on Earth whether life exists beyond Earth and what is the future
for life on Earth. Readers will find coverage of the latest understanding of a wide range of
fascinating topics including for example solar system formation the origins of life the
history of Earth as revealed by geology the evolution of intelligence on Earth the
implications of genome data insights from extremophile research and the possible existence of
life on other planets within and beyond the solar system. Each chapter contains a brief summary
of the current status of the topic under discussion sufficient references to enable more
detailed study and descriptions of recent findings and forthcoming missions or anticipated
research. Written by leading experts in astronomy planetary science geoscience chemistry
biology and physics this insightful and thought-provoking book will appeal to all students
and scientists who are interested in life and space.
