num_pages: 288
description: Astrobiology is the study of life in the universe from its origins to its evolution into intelligent sentient beings. All life as we know it is carbon-based reliant on sources of liquid water and energy for its survival and as far as we are aware exists only on Earth.Our planet occupies a unique spot in the solar system. It is just the right distance from the Sun--within the so-called Goldilocks Zone--to be not too hot or too cold for liquid water to be stable on its surface which together with a protective shielding atmosphere allowed the four-billion-year journey from a single-celled organism to an upright humanoid species. Most of primordial life if seen today would be classified as alien as it bears little resemblance to anything that currently exists.We can learn much about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life by studying life forms from our planet's history and by exploring organisms still present in harsh environments on Earth that mimic those on other worlds. These organisms called extremophiles are directing our search for alien life throughout the solar system and beyond. Could we one day find Earth's toughest animal the microscopic water bear living under the surface of another world? Goldilocks and the Water Bears is an accessible introduction to the most fascinating of all the astro-sciences--the quest to learn whether we are alone in the universe.
language: English
title: Goldilocks and the Water Bears: The Search for Life in the Universe
publisher: Bloomsbury Sigma