Aliens: Science Asks: Is There Anyone Out There?

Description

The ALIENS invasion is coming ... It's the biggest question we've ever faced, one that has fascinated generations of humans: do aliens exist? If they did, what would they look like? How would they think? And what would it mean for us if we found them? Here, Professor Jim Al-Khalili blasts off in search of answers. Featuring twenty pieces by top scientists and experts in the field including Martin Rees, Ian Stewart and Adam Rutherford, Aliens covers every aspect of the subject, from alien consciousness to the neuroscience behind alien abductions. And along the way he'll cover science fiction, the probability of us finding extra-terrestrial life, and whether recently-discovered exoplanets might support life. Engaging, authoritative and filled with scientific insights fresh from the far edges of the galaxy, Aliens is the perfect book for anyone who has ever looked up into the starry sky and wondered: are we alone?

Jim Al-Khalili OBE is an Iraqi-born British theoretical physicist, author and broadcaster. He is currently Professor of Theoretical Physics and Chair in the Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey. He has hosted several BBC productions about science, including BBC Radio 4's The Life Scientific.

A brilliantly sharp collection -- Nicola Davis * Observer * Jim Al-Khalili has gathered a useful cross-section of the brightest minds in space science ... [Aliens] goes far beyond the what and the where and the when of extraterrestrial-hunting to the biggest conundrum of all: why bother? ... This book is always lucid and sometimes unexpectedly beautiful. -- Oliver Moody * The Times * With a handsome cover sprinkled with green glitter, and pages wittily edged in matching green, this is an ideal stocking-filler for keen alien-fanciers -- Jane Shilling * Daily Mail *