Publisher's Weekly Review
In this whimsically titled pop science book, Preston, an astrobiologist and planetary geologist, illuminates the search for extraterrestrial life and the science that will help researchers find it. First, Preston says, people need to realize that alien life will most likely be nothing like the ETs imagined in science fiction books or films. Before scientists can search for it, they need to narrow down the places to look. Scientists use "the Goldilocks zone" to refer to the range within a galaxy of planetary conditions that could support life-worlds that are neither too hot nor too cold and possess young home stars with relatively high metal content that are stable enough to last the billions of years needed for life to emerge and evolve. Preston describes some "biosignatures," or chemical and geological indicators of the presence of life, that scientists can look for as well. He notes that one way to guess what alien life might look like is by studying extremophiles-creatures that live in Earth's most extreme environments-such as the "endearing, eight-legged, all but indestructible" tardigrade (the "water bears" of the title). Preston's accessible writing style, enthusiasm, and optimism succeed at informing as well as tickling readers' imaginations. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Preston, an astrobiologist and planetary geologist, explores two main questions: Is there life beyond Earth and if so, how can we find it? Since H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds, humans have been fascinated by aliens and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. But the search for a planet beyond earth that would be suitable for humans is a multifaceted and ongoing endeavor, requiring insight from physics, chemistry, astronomy, molecular biology, ecology, and other scientific fields. Preston spans them all with haste; catalogs the possible (but highly improbable) candidates for new habitats in our solar system and beyond; details the ramifications of the Cambrian explosion; and argues that the amount of water, energy, and carbon in any future home would have to be just right to allow for any life at all, let alone human survival. Ably distilling complicated science into digestible portions, Preston's balance of wonkiness and wide appeal is also just right and suited for anyone who's interested in the Curiosity rover's exploits on Mars and wants to learn more.--Comello, Chad Copyright 2016 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Astrobiologist and planetary geologist Preston examines whether extraterrestrial life exists outside of Earth. The author begins with an introduction to astrobiology, the study of the origin and evolution of life in the universe, including the contributions of notable astrobiologists Democritus (460-370 BC), Aristotle (460-370 BC), Caroline Herschel (1750-1848), and Mary Somerville (1780-1872), among many others. Preston then explains what life is from a scientific point of view, contemplates how to create a planet fit for existence, investigates other planets and extraterrestrial beings, and analyzes the future of the universe. While Mercury and Venus may be too hot and Mars may be too cold, Preston emphasizes that humanity is seeking its "just right" like Goldilocks did. Preston also considers water bears, microorganisms that can survive in the most extreme conditions. This fascinating selection will help readers contemplate life on Earth and beyond, as Preston thoroughly explains scientific terms and concepts. -VERDICT A background in science is not necessary to enjoy this title, only an interest in extraterrestrial life. For casual readers as well as researchers and scholars.-Tina Chan, MIT Libs., Cambridge © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
