Planets and Life: The Emerging Science of Astrobiology

Astrobiology involves the study of the origin and history of life on Earth, planets and moons where life may have arisen, and the search for extraterrestrial life. It combines the sciences of biology, chemistry, palaeontology, geology, planetary physics and astronomy. This textbook brings together world experts in each of these disciplines to provide the most comprehensive coverage of the field currently available. Topics cover the origin and evolution of life on Earth, the geological, physical and chemical conditions in which life might arise and the detection of extraterrestrial life on other planets and moons. The book also covers the history of our ideas on extraterrestrial life and the origin of life, as well as the ethical, philosophical and educational issues raised by astrobiology. Written to be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, this text will be welcomed by advanced undergraduates and graduates who are taking astrobiology courses.

Woodruff Sullivan is Professor of Astronomy and Adjunct Professor of History at the University of Washington (UW). His interests are in astrobiology, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the history of astronomy, and gnomonics. He is Chair of the Steering Group of the UW's interdisciplinary graduate Astrobiology Program.

John Baross is a professor in the School of Oceanography, UW. His research focuses on thermophilic micro-organisms from volcanic environments, the origin and evolution of life, life on other planets and moons, and microbial ecology. He is a founding member of UW's Astrobiology Program.