Lectures in astrobiology
- 691 páginas
- 25 horas de lectura
First comprehensive, beginning graduate level book on the emergent science of astrobiology.
Avances en Astrobiología y BiofísicaSerie
Esta serie profundiza en la fascinante intersección de la vida en el cosmos y los procesos que podrían darle forma. Explora los últimos descubrimientos y modelos teóricos sobre el origen, la evolución y la distribución de la vida más allá de la Tierra. Lectura esencial para científicos y cualquier persona cautivada por las profundas cuestiones de la existencia y el potencial de la vida en todo el universo.
Orden recomendado de lectura
Habitability and cosmic catastrophes
- 248 páginas
- 9 horas de lectura
The search for life in the universe is one of the most challenging topics of science. It is not a modern topic at all, since more than 100 years ago, it was speculated that on the Moon, there are oceans and seas; on Venus, there are swamps and also Mars is inhabitated. However, now we have the scienti?c background and the scienti?c tools to answer this question and it is also certain that the answer would have deep imp- cations for our culture, philosophy, and religions. If we ?nd that life has developed on other planets or satellites of giant planets, then this would be the ?nal breakdown of our central position in the universe. But is life a widespread phenomenon? How vulnerable is it to changing conditions and even catastrophic events? These topics will be discussed in this book. If life is in the extreme case a unique phenomenon found only on planet Earth, which seems to be highly unrealistic, then also it is important to discuss how it is adaptable to changing external conditions. Can we survive a cosmic catastrophe? How do these catastrophes change habitability? Which forms of life are more v- nerable? It was mentioned that now science has made great progress to answer such qu- tions. Let us give some examples. In modern biology, in connection with organic chemistry, the origin of life is studied.
Micrometeorites and the mysteries of our origins
- 330 páginas
- 12 horas de lectura
Micrometeorites played an essential role in the formation of the atmosphere of the Early Earth and also served as a significant source of activation for organic prebiotic chemistry on mineral surfaces. The present book gives a coherent account of this scenario, embedding the more specific results within a broader framework that considers the creation and evolution of the Early Earth. It thus addresses students and nonspecialist researchers in the fields of planetary atmospheres, biogeophysics and astrobiology. The experienced researcher will find this volume to be a modern and compact reference, as well as a source of material for lectures in this field.
Examines each of these parameters in crucial depth and makes the argument that life forms we would recognize may be more common in our solar system than many assume. Considers exotic forms of life that would not have to rely on carbon as the basic chemical element, solar energy as the main energy source, or water as the primary solvent and the question of detecting bio- and geosignatures of such life forms, ranging from earth environments to deep space. Seeks an operational definition of life and investigate the realm of possibilities that nature offers to realize this very special state of matter. Avoids scientific jargon wherever possible to make this intrinsically interdisciplinary subject understandable to a broad range of readers.
Intelligent life in the universe
- 255 páginas
- 9 horas de lectura
This book addresses all those interested in the origins, development and fate of intelligent species in the observable part of our universe. In particular, the author scrutinizes what kind of information about extraterrestrial intelligent life can be inferred from our own biological, cultural and scientific evolution and the likely future of mankind. The first part of the book provides the necessary background information from space and life sciences, thus making the book also accessible to students and the scientifically educated layman. -The first book of its kind that goes beyond the popular science level.
Amino acids and the asymmetry of life
Caught in the Act of Formation
The central theme of this book revolves around the intriguing question of how life originated and why left-handed molecules were favored in its architecture. It highlights the significant imbalance between left-handed amino acids and their right-handed counterparts during the processes that initiated life on Earth. This imbalance led to the exclusive use of left-handed amino acids in the proteins that constitute life today. The author presents an engaging narrative on the formation of amino acids, starting with a clear introduction to stereochemistry. The book explores the reasons behind the left-handed preference of amino acids in living organisms and investigates the violation of parity in their emergence. Various captivating models proposed by physicists, chemists, and biologists are discussed, revealing the scientific debates surrounding the topic. Additionally, the author examines efforts to validate these models through the chirality module of the ROSETTA mission, which aimed to analyze chiral organic compounds potentially delivered to Earth by cometary impacts. This interdisciplinary exploration of astrobiology will captivate students, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the natural sciences. A foreword by Henri B. Kagan adds further depth to the discussion.
Between Necessity and Probability: Searching for the Definition and Origin of Life
- 268 páginas
- 10 horas de lectura
Exploring the origins of life, this study delves into major theories while distinguishing between necessary and optional factors, as well as deterministic and random influences. It presents life as a cosmic phenomenon, urging readers to view its emergence beyond Earth-bound history. The author synthesizes key developments into a comprehensive scenario, advocating for a material-independent perspective to identify life’s essential characteristics. This approach aims to deepen the understanding of life's broader context and its fundamental principles.
Growing evidence, based on observations from orbiters, landers and telescopes, indicates that Mars may still have numerous hidden water reservoirs. Moreover, from the point of view of habitability, Mars is a prime target for astrobiologists in search of extant or extinct microbial life because we know that life exists in earth’s permafrost regions, such as parts of Siberia and the Antarctic, which are the closest terrestrial analogues to Mars. Water on Mars and Life surveys recent advances made in research into water on Mars together with its astrobiological implications. This volume addresses not only scientists working in the field but also nonspecialists and students in search of a high-level but accessible introduction to this exciting field of research.
Cold aqueous planetary geochemistry with FREZCHEM
- 251 páginas
- 9 horas de lectura
Written by two of the best US researchers in the field, this text investigates issues of astrobiological relevance in the context of cold aqueous planetary geochemistry. At the core of the technical chapters is the FREZCHEM model, initially developed over many years by one of the authors to quantify aqueous electrolyte properties and chemical thermodynamics at subzero temperatures. FREZCHEM is of huge relevance to scientists in a number of fields, including biogeochemists.
This comprehensive textbook explores the fundamental elements of living systems, including energy and chemistry, and their implications for life beyond Earth. It discusses potential life forms, adaptations to extreme environments, and the search for extraterrestrial life, while providing an accessible overview for both experts and general readers.
Between necessity and probability
- 258 páginas
- 10 horas de lectura
This study investigates the major theories of the origins of life in the light of modern research with the aim of distinguishing between the necessary and the optional and between deterministic and random influences in the emergence of what we call ‘life.’ Life is treated as a cosmic phenomenon whose emergence and driving force should be viewed independently from its Earth-bound natural history. The author synthesizes all the fundamental life-related developments in a comprehensive scenario, and makes the argument that understanding life in its broadest context requires a material-independent perspective that identifies its essential fingerprints.
Lectures in astrobiology
- 818 páginas
- 29 horas de lectura
First comprehensive, beginning graduate level book on the emergent science of astrobiology.
Intelligent Life in the Universe
Principles and Requirements Behind Its Emergence
- 324 páginas
- 12 horas de lectura
Focusing on the origins and evolution of intelligent species, the author explores insights into extraterrestrial life based on humanity's biological, cultural, and scientific development. The book delves into the implications for mankind's future while providing essential background information from space and life sciences, making it accessible to both students and the scientifically literate public. Through this examination, it invites readers to reflect on the broader cosmic context of intelligence and existence.
Intended as a comprehensive review of recent research, this text considers the role comets have played in the origins and evolution of life, particularly in light of investigations of Halley's comet. It also considers results of numerical simulations of cometary orbits and impacts on Earth.