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.
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"Preston’s accessible writing style, enthusiasm, and optimism succeed at informing as well as tickling readers’ imaginations." - Publishers Weekly
"A solid, absorbing background to what makes life possible." - Kirkus Reviews
"Ably distilling complicated science into digestible portions, Preston’s balance of wonkiness and wide appeal is also 'just right' and suited for anyone who’s interested in the Curiosity rover’s exploits on Mars and wants to learn more." - Booklist
"Preston surveys the emerging field of astrobiology with scholarly depth and layman accessibility . . . Goldilocks and the Water Bears brings a lofty, sometimes exaggerated topic down to Earth in an enjoyable way." - Tobias Mutter, Shelf Awareness
"Fascinating . . . It's a compelling book to read at this moment, as man-made climate change is throwing planetary systems off balance. In her brief history of the Earth, and of the other rocks that hurtle around space with us, Preston shows just how very lucky we are to live on a planet that is--for now at least--just right." - VICE
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. 'Highly recommended' Financial Times Today we know of only a single planet that hosts life: the Earth. But across a Universe of at least 100 billion possibly habitable worlds, surely our planet isn't the only one that, like the porridge Goldilocks sought, is just right for life? Astrobiologists search the galaxy for conditions that are suitable for life to exist, focusing on similar worlds located at the perfect distance from their Sun, within the aptly named 'Goldilocks Zone'. Such a place might have liquid water on its surface, and may therefore support a thriving biosphere. What might life look like on other worlds? It is possible to make best-guesses using facts rooted in science, and by studying 'extremophiles' - organisms such as the near-indestructible water bears, which can survive in the harshest conditions that Earth, and even space, can offer. Goldilocks and the Water Bears is a tale of the origins and evolution of life, and the quest to find it on other planets, on moons, in other galaxies, and throughout the Universe. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781472920119
Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9781472920119
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 370460025
Book Description Condition: New. Num Pages: 288 pages. BIC Classification: PDZ; PS; WNX. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 198 x 129. . . 2018. Reprint. Paperback. . . . . Seller Inventory # V9781472920119
Book Description Condition: New. Num Pages: 288 pages. BIC Classification: PDZ; PS; WNX. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 198 x 129. . . 2018. Reprint. Paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9781472920119
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Seller Inventory # SKU9781472920119
Book Description Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. Neuware -'Highly recommended' Financial TimesToday we know of only a single planet that hosts life: the Earth. But across a Universe of at least 100 billion possibly habitable worlds, surely our planet isn't the only one which, like the porridge Goldilocks sought, is just right for life Astrobiologists search the galaxy for conditions that are suitable for life to exist, focusing on similar worlds located at the perfect distance from their Sun, within the aptly named 'Goldilocks Zone'. Such a place might have liquid water on its surface, and may therefore support a thriving biosphere. What might life look like on other worlds It is possible to make best-guesses using facts rooted in science, and by studying 'extremophiles' - organisms such as the near-indestructible water bears, which can survive in the harshest conditions that Earth, and even space, can offer. Goldilocks and the Water Bears is a tale of the origins and evolution of life, and the quest to find it on other planets, on moons, in other galaxies, and throughout the Universe. 288 pp. Englisch. Seller Inventory # 9781472920119
Book Description Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. Neuware -'Highly recommended' Financial TimesToday we know of only a single planet that hosts life: the Earth. But across a Universe of at least 100 billion possibly habitable worlds, surely our planet isn't the only one which, like the porridge Goldilocks sought, is just right for life Astrobiologists search the galaxy for conditions that are suitable for life to exist, focusing on similar worlds located at the perfect distance from their Sun, within the aptly named 'Goldilocks Zone'. Such a place might have liquid water on its surface, and may therefore support a thriving biosphere. What might life look like on other worlds It is possible to make best-guesses using facts rooted in science, and by studying 'extremophiles' - organisms such as the near-indestructible water bears, which can survive in the harshest conditions that Earth, and even space, can offer. Goldilocks and the Water Bears is a tale of the origins and evolution of life, and the quest to find it on other planets, on moons, in other galaxies, and throughout the Universe. 288 pp. Englisch. Seller Inventory # 9781472920119
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. Venus is too hot, Mars too cold, but Earth's distance from the Sun makes it 'just right' for a thriving biosphere. As we search for other planets perfectly positioned to support living organisms, an astrobiologist explains what scientists can learn from research into the origins and evolution of life, as well as the study of 'extremophile' water bears, tiny aquatic creatures able to survive the harshest conditions on Earth. Seller Inventory # 510925
Book Description Taschenbuch. Condition: Neu. Neuware - 'Highly recommended' Financial TimesToday we know of only a single planet that hosts life: the Earth. But across a Universe of at least 100 billion possibly habitable worlds, surely our planet isn't the only one which, like the porridge Goldilocks sought, is just right for life Astrobiologists search the galaxy for conditions that are suitable for life to exist, focusing on similar worlds located at the perfect distance from their Sun, within the aptly named 'Goldilocks Zone'. Such a place might have liquid water on its surface, and may therefore support a thriving biosphere. What might life look like on other worlds It is possible to make best-guesses using facts rooted in science, and by studying 'extremophiles' - organisms such as the near-indestructible water bears, which can survive in the harshest conditions that Earth, and even space, can offer. Goldilocks and the Water Bears is a tale of the origins and evolution of life, and the quest to find it on other planets, on moons, in other galaxies, and throughout the Universe. 288 pp. Englisch. Seller Inventory # 9781472920119