The world's leading textbook on astrobiology-ideal for an introductory one-semester course and now fully revised and updated Are we alone in the cosmos? How are scientists seeking signs of life beyond our home planet? Could we colonize other planets, moons, or even other star systems? This introductory textbook, written by a team of four renowned science communicators, educators, and researchers, tells the amazing story of how modern science is seeking the answers to these and other fascinating questions. They are the questions that are at the heart of the highly interdisciplinary field of astrobiology, the study of life in the universe. Written in an accessible, conversational style for anyone intrigued by the possibilities of life in the solar system and beyond, Life in the Universe is an ideal place to start learning about the latest discoveries and unsolved mysteries in the field. From the most recent missions to Saturn's moons and our neighboring planet Mars to revolutionary discoveries of thousands of exoplanets, from the puzzle of life's beginning on Earth to the latest efforts in the search for intelligent life elsewhere, this book captures the imagination and enriches the reader's understanding of how astronomers, planetary scientists, biologists, and other scientists make progress at the cutting edge of this dynamic field. Enriched with a wealth of engaging features, this textbook brings any citizen of the cosmos up to speed with the scientific quest to discover whether we are alone or part of a universe full of life. An acclaimed text designed to inspire students of all backgrounds to explore foundational questions about life in the cosmos Completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in the field, including recent exploratory space missions to Mars, frontier exoplanet science, research on the origin of life on Earth, and more Enriched with helpful learning aids, including in-chapter Think about It questions, optional Do the Math and Special Topic boxes, Movie Madness boxes, end-of-chapter exercises and problems, quick quizzes, and much more Supported by instructor's resources, including an illustration package and test bank, available upon request

The world's leading textbook on astrobiology-ideal for an introductory one-semester course and now fully revised and updated Are we alone in the cosmos? How are scientists seeking signs of life beyond our home planet? Could we colonize other planets, moons, or even other star systems? This introductory textbook, written by a team of four renowned science communicators, educators, and researchers, tells the amazing story of how modern science is seeking the answers to these and other fascinating questions. They are the questions that are at the heart of the highly interdisciplinary field of astrobiology, the study of life in the universe. Written in an accessible, conversational style for anyone intrigued by the possibilities of life in the solar system and beyond, Life in the Universe is an ideal place to start learning about the latest discoveries and unsolved mysteries in the field. From the most recent missions to Saturn's moons and our neighboring planet Mars to revolutionary discoveries of thousands of exoplanets, from the puzzle of life's beginning on Earth to the latest efforts in the search for intelligent life elsewhere, this book captures the imagination and enriches the reader's understanding of how astronomers, planetary scientists, biologists, and other scientists make progress at the cutting edge of this dynamic field. Enriched with a wealth of engaging features, this textbook brings any citizen of the cosmos up to speed with the scientific quest to discover whether we are alone or part of a universe full of life. An acclaimed text designed to inspire students of all backgrounds to explore foundational questions about life in the cosmos Completely revised and updated to include the latest developments in the field, including recent exploratory space missions to Mars, frontier exoplanet science, research on the origin of life on Earth, and more Enriched with helpful learning aids, including in-chapter Think about It questions, optional Do the Math and Special Topic boxes, Movie Madness boxes, end-of-chapter exercises and problems, quick quizzes, and much more Supported by instructor's resources, including an illustration package and test bank, available upon request

It is commonly assumed that if the Sun suddenly turned into a black hole, it would suck Earth and the rest of the planets into oblivion. Yet, as prominent author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett points out, black holes don't suck. With that simple idea in mind, Bennett begins an entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, describing the amazing phenomena readers would actually experience if they took a trip to a black hole. The theory of relativity reveals the speed of light as the cosmic speed limit, the mind-bending ideas of time dilation and curvature of spacetime, and what may be the most famous equation in history: E = mc2. Indeed, the theory of relativity shapes much of our modern understanding of the universe. It is not "just a theory"-every major prediction of relativity has been tested to exquisite precision, and its practical applications include the Global Positioning System (GPS). Amply illustrated and written in clear, accessible prose, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.

The media often portrays our climate future as a choice between bleak and bleaker, which may seem justified given the many impacts of global warming that we are already seeing. But it doesn't have to be that way, because if we understand the science behind global warming, then we can also see a pathway to its solution. In this book, astrophysicist/educator Jeffrey Bennett uses a Q&A format to provide a brief and extremely clear overview of the surprisingly simple basic science behind global warming, of the consequences of this warming, and of solutions that can help us alleviate and eventually reverse those consequences. This will help readers understand how we can in principle create a 'post-global warming' future, meaning a future in which today's children will someday be able to talk about global warming as a once-serious problem that we found a way to solve.

This Physical Resources Foundation Report is designed to support development of the Foundation Document for WHSA and to be used as a reference for the General Management Plan, as needed. The primary objectives of this report are to: 1. Build upon the monument's purpose and significance statements and identify the fundamental physical resources critical to achieving WHSA's purpose and maintaining its significance. 2. Provide background information for WHSA's fundamental physical resources (current condition, related trends, and issues/threats). 3. Define the relevant laws and policies that support management decisions for the priority physical resources and identify stakeholder interest.

It is commonly assumed that if the Sun suddenly turned into a black hole, it would suck Earth and the rest of the planets into oblivion. Yet, as prominent author and astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett points out, black holes don't suck. With that simple idea in mind, Bennett begins an entertaining introduction to Einstein's theories of relativity, describing the amazing phenomena readers would actually experience if they took a trip to a black hole. The theory of relativity reveals the speed of light as the cosmic speed limit, the mind-bending ideas of time dilation and curvature of spacetime, and what may be the most famous equation in history: E = mc2. Indeed, the theory of relativity shapes much of our modern understanding of the universe. It is not "just a theory"-every major prediction of relativity has been tested to exquisite precision, and its practical applications include the Global Positioning System (GPS). Amply illustrated and written in clear, accessible prose, Bennett's book proves anyone can grasp the basics of Einstein's ideas. His intuitive, nonmathematical approach gives a wide audience its first real taste of how relativity works and why it is so important to science and the way we view ourselves as human beings.

Winner of:
2013 Science Communication Award, American Institute of Physics

Max the Dog and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era, and their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony. From the colony, the views of Earth make everyone realize how small and precious planet Earth is. Along the way, the story sets the stage for more sophisticated science, featured in the 19 "Big Kid Box" sidebars that have been fully updated in this new edition, which cover topics including "Phases of the Moon," "Wings in Space?," and "Frisbees and Curve Balls on the Moon"--all thoughtfully explained so that grown-ups and children can learn together about science. Behind-the-scenes science lessons with activities round out this entertaining and educational picture book, the new edition of which is designed to accompany the new Max Goes to the Moon planetarium show, coming soon to planetariums around the world.

"With the possible exception of the God question, I can think of no subject that has inspired such wide-eyed wonder and speculation as the matter of whether or not we are alone in the cosmos. The search for extraterrestrial intelligence today has almost theological status in terms of its implications, and yet it is a rigorous science conducted by world-class scientists. Jeffrey Bennett's book is one of the finest primers on this burgeoning new field. And even though this can be a technically daunting science, Bennett's highly readable prose invites everyone into the dome to gaze through the telescope to have a look for themselves, for this is a journey we are all on together."--Michael Shermer, publisher of "Skeptic" and columnist for "Scientific American"

"Bennett describes the search for life beyond the Earth in terms that are accessible to the nonscientist and yet reveal a broad understanding of the evolution of stars, planets, and organisms. The author's optimism is contagious. May it help inspire us to actually accomplish these lofty goals."--James F. Kasting, Pennsylvania State University

"Bennett describes the search for life beyond the Earth in terms that are accessible to the nonscientist and yet reveal a broad understanding of the evolution of stars, planets, and organisms. The author's optimism is contagious. May it help inspire us to actually accomplish these lofty goals."--James F. Kasting, Pennsylvania State University

"Precise, accurate, lucid, and engaging. This is popular-science writing at its best. I enjoyed reading this book."--Christopher McKay, NASA Ames Research Center

"This is a fascinating book about the living universe, well-written andtimely."--David Morrison, coauthor of "The Planetary System and Voyages to the Planets"

The quest for extraterrestrial life doesn't happen only in science fiction. This book describes the startling discoveries being made in the very real science of astrobiology, an intriguing new field that blends astronomy, biology, and geology to explore the possibility of life on other planets. Jeffrey Bennett takes readers beyond UFOs to discuss some of the tantalizing questions astrobiologists grapple with every day: What is life and how does it begin? What makes a planet or moon habitable? Is there life on Mars or elsewhere in the solar system? How can life be recognized on distant worlds? Is it likely to be microbial, more biologically complex--or even intelligent? What would such a discovery mean for life here on Earth?

Come along on this scientific adventure and learn the astonishing implications of discoveries made in this field for the future of the human race. Bennett, who believes that "science is a way of helping people come to agreement," explains how the search for extraterrestrial life can help bridge the divide that sometimes exists between science and religion, defuse public rancor over the teaching of evolution, and quiet the debate over global warming. He likens humanity today to a troubled adolescent teetering on the edge between self-destruction and a future of virtually limitless possibilities. "Beyond UFOs" shows why the very quest to find alien life can help us to grow up as a species and chart a course for the stars. In a new afterword, Bennett shares the most recent developments in extrasolar research, and discusses how they might further our quest to find alien life.

The long-awaited prequel to the other books in the "Science Adventures with Max the Dog" Series, this instalment follows Max on his trip to the International Space Station where he shares in the adventures of astronaut life and helps save everyone from a potential disaster along the way. The book teaches children to see themselves and the planet in a new light and encourages readers to discover how they can help make the world a better place. Accompanying the story of how Max saves the day are numerous "Big Kid Box" sidebars that offer science facts and other pieces of fascinating information. Grown-ups and children learn about science together with this fun and educational picture book.

Winner: 2017 NSTA, Outstanding Science Trade Books 2017 Children's Book Council, Best STEM Books Nautilus Book Award, Silver, Ecology and Environment Is human-induced global warming a real threat to our future? Most people will express an opinion on this question, but relatively few can back their opinions with solid evidence. Many times we’ve even heard pundits say “I am not a scientist� to avoid the issue altogether. But the truth is, the basic science is not that difficult. Using a question and answer format, this book will help readers achieve three major goals: To see that anyone can understand the basic science of global warming;  To understand the arguments about this issue made by skeptics, so that readers will be able to decide for themselves what to believe; To understand why, despite the “gloom and doom� that often surrounds this topic, the solutions are ones that will not only protect the world for our children and grandchildren, but that will actually lead us to a stronger economy with energy that is cheaper, cleaner, and more abundant than the energy we use today.

For two-semester courses in astronomy. Exploring the impact of new discoveries on astronomy, science, and life in the universe Building on a long tradition of effective pedagogy and comprehensive coverage, The Cosmic Perspective, 9th Edition provides a thoroughly engaging and up-to-date introduction to astronomy for anyone who is curious about the universe, regardless of prior background in astronomy or physics. As respected teachers and active researchers, the authors present astronomy using a coherent narrative and a thematic approach that engages students immediately and guides them through connecting ideas. This engagement-centered approach and variety of contextualizing features enhance student understanding of the process of science and actively involve them in learning key concepts. The 9th Edition features major scientific updates, new content that focuses on the possibility of life in the universe, and recent discoveries that provide modern contexts to help students see astronomy as highly relevant to their worlds now. The authors integrate a new focus on cultural diversity among scientists and ethics across science and astronomy, delving into science done by a wide range of people and evaluated in different ways. The authors write and create a wealth of Mastering Astronomy resources, carrying the coherent and cohesive approach of the book to the new and expanded digital tools, such as Prelecture Videos. Instructors can access this curated group of activities in Mastering Astronomy for use before, during, and after class and can easily edit the pre-built assignments to fit the way they teach. This text is also available in two volumes, which can be purchased separately: The Cosmic Perspective: The Solar System, 9th Edition (includes Chapters 1-13, 14, S1, 24) The Cosmic Perspective: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology, 9th Edition (includes Chapters 1-3, S1, 4-6, S2-S4, 14-24) Also available digitally as a standalone Pearson eText, or via Mastering Astronomy, which includes the Pearson eText. Pearson eText is a simple-to-use, mobile-optimized, personalized reading experience that can be adopted on its own as the main course material. It lets students highlight, take notes, and review key vocabulary all in one place, even when offline. Seamlessly integrated videos and other rich media engage students and give them access to the help they need, when they need it. Educators can easily customize the table of contents and share their own notes with students so they see the connection between their eText and what they learn in class - motivating them to keep reading, and keep learning. If your instructor has assigned Pearson eText as your main course material, search for: * 0135729491 / 9780135729496 Pearson eText Cosmic Perspective, The -- Access Card, 9/e OR * 0135729459 / 9780135729458 Pearson eText Cosmic Perspective, The -- Instant Access, 9/e Also available with Mastering Astronomy By combining trusted author content with digital tools and a flexible platform, Mastering personalizes the learning experience and improves results for each student.Resources in Mastering Astronomy are written and carefully reviewed by the author team, establishing the same coherent and trusted voice as the book. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; Mastering Astronomy does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with Mastering Astronomy, ask your instructor for the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and Mastering Astronomy, search for: 0134988930 / 9780134988931 Cosmic Perspective, The Plus Mastering Astronomy with Pearson eText -- Access Card Package Package consists of: 0134874366 / 9780134874364 Cosmic Perspective, The 0134988833 / 9780134988832 Mastering Astronomy with Pearson eText -- ValuePack Access Card -- for Cosmic Perspective, The 0321765184 / 9780321765185 SkyGazer 5.0 Student Access Code Card (Integrated component)

This title is suitable for ages 7 to 9 years. Diego dreams of being a wizard so he can make the world a better place by fighting global warming. When he realises that he can't really perform magic, Diego thinks of ways he can help save the world by considering many potential careers and what it would take to achieve them. Filled with sidebars called "Big Kid Boxes" that explain the crucial scientific concepts that lie behind the scenes depicted, this inspirational story gives children an opportunity to exercise their own magical dreams.

Max the Dog and a young girl named Tori take the first trip to the Moon since the Apollo era, and their trip proves so inspiring to people back on Earth that all the nations of the world come together to build a great Moon colony. From the colony, the views of Earth make everyone realize how small and precious planet Earth is. Along the way, the story sets the stage for more sophisticated science, featured in the 19 “Big Kid Box� sidebars which cover topics including “Phases of the Moon,� “Wings in Space?,� and “Frisbees and Curve Balls on the Moon�—all thoughtfully explained so that grownups and children can learn about science together. Behind-the-scenes science lessons with activities round out this entertaining and educational picture book, which is designed to accompany the new Max Goes to the Moon planetarium show, coming soon to planetariums around the world. El perro Max y una joven llamada Tori emprenden el primer viaje a la luna desde la Época del programa Apolo, y su viaje resulta ser tan inspirador para los habitantes de la Tierra que todas las naciones trabajan juntas para construir una colonia en la luna. Las vistas de la Tierra desde la colonia les recuerdan a todos lo pequeÑo y precioso que es el planeta. A lo largo del libro, la historia presenta conceptos cient�ficos m�s sofisticados en 19 notas de recuadro que abarcan temas como “Las fases de la luna,� “¿Alas en el espacio?� y “Frisbees y bolas curva en la luna�—todos explicados de tal manera que los adultos y los niÑos puedan aprender juntos sobre la ciencia. Lecciones cient�ficas con actividades tambiÉn se incluyen en este divertido y did�ctico libro ilustrado, el cual est� diseÑado para acompaÑar la nueva exposiciÓn en planetarios Max Goes to the Moon, el cual estar� pasando por planetarios nacionales e internacionales.