Lonely Planets: The Natural Philosophy of Alien Life

by David Grinspoon

Overview

PEN Literary Award Winner: “The best, most entertaining examination of the possibility of other life in the universe since [Carl] Sagan’s best work.” —Boulder Daily Camera
 
It’s been decades since Carl Sagan first addressed the general public about the possibility of extraterrestrial life from a scientist’s perspective. We’ve learned a lot in those years, and now planetary scientist David Grinspoon investigates the big questions: How widespread are life and intelligence in the cosmos? Is life on Earth an accident, or in some sense the “purpose” of this universe? And how can we, working from the Earth-centric definition of “life,” even begin to think about the varieties of life-forms on other planets?

In accessible, lively prose, and using the topic of extraterrestrial life as a mirror with which to view human beliefs, evolution, history, and aspirations, Grinspoon takes us on a three-part journey—the history of our expanding awareness of other planets and our ideas on alien life dating back to the earliest days of astronomy; the science of cosmic evolution and the evolution of life on Earth, including a critique of the “Rare Earth hypothesis”; and the beliefs that humans hold, addressing the limits of our ability to conceptualize or communicate with intelligent aliens and the scientific and philosophical implications of far-future evolutionary possibilities.

Rich in personal and often amusing anecdotes, Lonely Planets explores the shifting boundary between planetary science and natural philosophy, and reveals how the search for extraterrestrial life unites our spiritual and scientific quests for connection with the cosmos.
 
Includes a new foreword about recent Mars discoveries
 
“An outstanding introduction to cosmic evolution.” —San Jose Mercury News
 
“[A] terrific book.” —San Diego Union-Tribune
 
“A personable chat on life, the universe and everything.” —Publishers Weekly

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061748615
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	11/21/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	470
Sales rank:	73,845
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

David Grinspoon is principal scientist in the Department of Space Studies at the South-west Research Institute, and adjunct professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado. His previous book, Venus Revealed, was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist. An adviser for NASA on space exploration strategy, he lectures widely and has appeared on numerous television and radio programs. His writing has appeared in Astronomy, Nature, Science, Scientific American, Natural History, and The Sciences. He maintains the Funky Science Web site at www.funkyscience.net.

Editorial Reviews

The best look at this subject since Carl Sagan’s Cosmic Connection.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review )

“A personable chat on life, the universe and everything.” — Publishers Weekly

“In his low-key, conversational language, Grinspoon asks provocative questions about modern science’s unyielding rigidities.” — Entertainment Weekly

“The best, most entertaining examination of the possibility of other life in the universe since Sagan’s best work.” — Boulder Daily Camera

“An easy to read, thought-provoking look at humanity’s unending fascination with extraterrestrial life.” — Gannett News Service

“[A] terrific book.” — San Diego Union-Tribune

“Lonely Planets is an outstanding introduction to cosmic evolution.” — San Jose Mercury News

“Superb…. Grinspoon has succeeded marvelously at producing a comprehensive, enjoyable overview of astrobiology.” — Astronomy

“Entertaining and though-provoking…. A masterful synthesis of the history, science, philosophy, and even theological implications of extraterrestrial life.” — Science

From the Publisher

Entertaining and though-provoking…. A masterful synthesis of the history, science, philosophy, and even theological implications of extraterrestrial life.

Science

Lonely Planets is an outstanding introduction to cosmic evolution.

San Jose Mercury News

Superb…. Grinspoon has succeeded marvelously at producing a comprehensive, enjoyable overview of astrobiology.

Astronomy

[A] terrific book.

San Diego Union-Tribune

The best, most entertaining examination of the possibility of other life in the universe since Sagan’s best work.

Boulder Daily Camera

An easy to read, thought-provoking look at humanity’s unending fascination with extraterrestrial life.

Gannett News Service

In his low-key, conversational language, Grinspoon asks provocative questions about modern science’s unyielding rigidities.

Entertainment Weekly

Entertaining and though-provoking…. A masterful synthesis of the history, science, philosophy, and even theological implications of extraterrestrial life.

Science