Do you wonder if humans are the only beings who wonder if they are alone in the universe? Our sun is a star. In the night sky are all kinds of stars, and orbiting those stars are planets like the ones in our own solar system. Could those planets have life like we do on Earth? Planet Earth is not too big, not too small, not too hot, and not too cold. It’s just right. Our very own Goldilocks planet . . . . Follow a young girl as she explores these questions in this gorgeous book about the wondrous search for another Goldilocks planet.
With the soothing rhythm of a bedtime story and the scientific wonder of a nature doc, comes a celebration of the moon and all the creatures who rely on its light to find their way home. Under the glow of a shimmering moon, creatures great and small creep out of their dens, using its light to hunt, fend off predators, build their nests or build families. As the moon changes phases these animals adapt their behavior to match its waxing and waning—while human animals look on in wonder. As Earth's closest companion in space, the moon has fascinated humankind for generations, and this nonfiction picture book sheds light on the mysterious ways it affects life on Earth. With luminous illustrations by Jessica Lanan and a lyrical text that is part lullaby and part scientific resource, Thank You, Moon is a treasure for all ages to enjoy.
Where would you look for alien life? An astronomer and science popularizer explains the basics of astrobiology to outline five plausible scenarios for finding extraterrestrials Long before space travel was possible, the idea of life beyond Earth transfixed humans. In this fascinating book, astronomer Jon Willis explores the science of astrobiology and the possibility of locating other life in our own galaxy. Describing the most recent discoveries by space exploration missions, including the Kepler space telescope, the Mars Curiosity rover, and the New Horizons probe, Willis asks readers to imagine--and choose among--five scenarios for finding life. He encourages us to wonder whether life might exist within Mars's subsoil ice. He reveals the vital possibilities on the water-ice moons Europa and Enceladus. He views Saturn's moon Titan through the lens of our own planet's ancient past. And, he even looks beyond our solar system, investigating the top candidates for a "second Earth" in a myriad of exoplanets and imagining the case of a radio signal arriving from deep space. Covering the most up-to-date research, this accessibly written book provides readers with the basic knowledge necessary to decide where they would look for alien life.
The Search for Aliens: A Rough Guide to Life on Other Worlds provides the first vivid and completely accessible guide to the most exciting field of modern science: the search for extraterrestrial life. All the latest research projects are identified, located and described; everything from radio dishes searching for intelligent alien signals to deep oceanic research, seeking links between terrestrial organisms and the broader cosmos. It also explores the idea of Panspermia, the notion that asteroids and comets brought biological building blocks to the early earth, plus exactly which factors must align for life to arise across our galaxy and the universe. The Search for Aliens: A Rough Guide to Life on Other Worlds explains why we may be closer than ever to finding out the answer to the question: is there any life beyond life on earth? Now available in ePub format.
There would be no life on Earth without light from the Sun, and life would not be as highly evolved as it is had it not made the best use of light's energy and information for using photosynthesis, biological clocks, and vision. In Light and Life, Michael Gross explores six major aspects of the complex and fascinating interplay between light and life, ranging from the mythical role of the Sun in ancient cultures to the latest advances in scientific research, covering photosynthesis, bioluminescence, vision, perception, and biological clocks. - ;Light, like no other physical phenomenon, is linked in a wide variety of ways with the biological phenomenon of life. We can read this page because light is reflected from it, and carries the information to the retina; the oxygen we breathe was produced by photosynthesis; our sense of alertness relies on our biological clock, set using the cues of light and dark. Michael Gross explores the symbiotic relationship of light and life in this intriguing and entertaining book. Starting with astronomy and our relationship with the Sun and dependence on photosynthesis, he then turns to some of the stranger outcomes of the relationship - bioluminescent creatures, and their evolutionary significance. Finally he looks at the influence of light on biological time-keeping, the focus of much current scientific research. Life would not be here without light, and it would not have evolved as it has done had it not made the best possible use of light's energy and information content for using photosynthesis, biological clocks, and vision. This book explores all these aspects of the fascinating interplay of these two phenomena in a lively manner using many intriguing examples. -
In the vast expanse of the universe, the stars that limit our imagination are filled with infinite mysteries. With each step we take towards the depths of space, humanity's journey of exploration, fueled by boundless curiosity, continues as an unending adventure. "Beyond Planets: Quest for Life and Future Perspectives" is a part of this epic journey. This book is a captivating voyage intertwined with science, technology, and philosophy, nourishing our curiosity about distant worlds among the stars. Exoplanets, planets outside our Solar System, have become one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving research topics in astronomy today. Within these pages, you will discover the stories of scientists, philosophers, and researchers who seek traces of life in the cosmos. Amidst the complex dance of planets, stars, and galaxies, their tales of exoplanet discovery will challenge your imagination. As we explore how exoplanets were found, what habitable zones truly mean, the impact of atmospheres and climates on life, and even the possibility of intelligent beings, we will also explore how these discoveries have shaped our worldview. Additionally, we will confront ethical and scientific challenges, such as exoplanet colonization and its potential future implications. In this book, you will witness not only the technicalities of scientific research but also the power of imagination and humanity's unyielding desire for exploration. Exoplanets are not merely subjects of scientific inquiry; they embody humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and represent a reflection of our collective cosmic curiosity. While exploring the complexities of exoplanets, you will bear witness to the immense power of imagination, ingenuity, and the potential for life beyond Earth. Exoplanets are not just distant celestial bodies; they are gateways to unraveling the grand mysteries of the cosmos. In the immensity of space, on the journey through the stars, we stand on the threshold of understanding the grandeur and intricacy of the universe. In this book, we extend our invitation to embark on this extraordinary odyssey. Uncover the secrets of exoplanets, push the boundaries of your imagination, and join us on this epic quest that transcends time and space. In the vastness of the cosmos, venturing to the stars is an honor greater than any other, and we are excited to have you by our side on this path. Happy reading!
Endorsed by Cambridge International Examinations An easy and cost-effective way to teach both the speaking and listening components. This title has been written for the latest Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 and 0511) syllabuses. - Prepares students for their exams with a focus on assessed language features, such as inference, opinion and attitude - Develops language abilities at an appropriate pace.
