Confessions of an Alien Hunter: A Scientist's Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Shostak, Seth

ISBN 10: 1423376420 ISBN 13: 9781423376422

Publisher: Brilliance Audio, 2010

Synopsis

Since the first Martian “canals” were charted in 1877, space aliens have captivated sky-gazers, night travelers, and television watchers worldwide. Polls show that nearly half of all Americans believe in extraterrestrials, and many are convinced they’ve visited Earth. A fair number of scientists also suspect that aliens exist, and for decades they’ve been seriously searching—using powerful antennas and computers to scan for radio waves coming from other star systems. This engaging memoir reveals the true story of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), and discloses what we may very soon discover.

Chronicling the program’s history with insight and humor, SETI senior astronomer Seth Shostak assures us that if there is sentient life in the universe, we are within decades of picking up its signal. Methodically busting urban legends about alien crash landings, crop circles, and the like, Shostak pits scientific truth against speculation and delivers important news on the state of our knowledge. He answers a host of questions about SETI, including where its antennas are aimed...how we know which frequency to monitor...what our response might be...and why, if a signal is detected, “it will be one that’s deliberately beamed into space, not the Klingon equivalent of I Love Lucy.”

Contrary to popular opinion, any aliens found by SETI will not resemble the squishy, big-eyed creatures on cinema screens. Rather, they will have already invented their successors: super smart post-biological thinking machines vastly beyond our own capabilities.

Edgy, amusing, and remarkably profound, Confessions of an Alien Hunter addresses the startling possibilities awaiting us in deep space and in humankind’s own future.

About this title

About the Author

Seth Shostak is a scientist, author, and frequent commentator on TV and radio. He writes a monthly column on Space.com and often lectures on his work at SETI. He lives in Palo Alto, California.

From AudioFile

Although this memoir contains some serious science, Shostak's down-to-earth writing and Patrick Lawlor's cheerful voice make the complex concepts accessible. The author explains the history of stargazing while recounting stories of his jobs with NASA and the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) Institute. In the process, the presentation does a fair job of convincing one of the existence of extraterrestrial life. Lawlor reads at a steady pace, perhaps to give the listener time to process all the scientific details. Shostak leavens his research and statistics with folksy similes and stories of eccentric alien hunters. Listeners will not want for lack of visuals; Shostak's clear writing and Lawlor's lively voice bring the science to life. G.D. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Edition details

• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1423376420
• ISBN 13: 9781423376422
• Binding: MP3 CD
• Language: English