Probability 1: Why There Must Be Intelligent Life in the Universe - Hardcover

Aczel, Amir D.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0151003769 ISBN 13: 9780151003761

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1998

Synopsis

The best-selling author of Fermat's Last Theorem integrates probability theory with the latest scientific findings from the Hubble telescope and the Mars missions to argue for the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. 50,000 first printing. $50,000 ad/promo. Tour.

About this title

Review

In a universe infinitely large, what is the probability of intelligent life on another planet? Sounds like a trick question, but for anyone versed in cosmology and statistics, the answer is 1; that is, there must be life on at least one other planet in the universe. This is Amir Aczel's theorem. But, as physicist Enrico Fermi once asked, if that's true, where is everyone? Aczel tackles that paradox after he goes through the statistical calculations for the probability of intelligent life, considering factors such as how many stars are in a galaxy, how many of those stars might be hospitable, how many might have planets, and how many planets might have environments suitable to support life as we know it (or as we don't).

Aczel also provides an overview of the relevant developments in astronomy and biology, laying the groundwork to show that the universe's chemistry must add up to life. Whether life was spread through the universe by chunks of debris like ALH84001--the enigmatic meteorite from Mars that contained tantalising hints of the possibility of life--or arose independently, Aczel is sure it is out there. After teasing readers with scientific history, Probability 1 delivers on its promise to prove Aczel's conjecture through a clearly explained application of known statistical theory to the chaos of the universe.--Therese Littleton, Amazon.com

Review

"For one practiced in dealing with numbers, Amir Aczel certainly has a way with words. . . . Before reading Aczel's book, you might find it easy to shrug off his conclusions. After you've finished Probability 1, you may find it harder to do so."-Astronomy
"There are two reasons for recommending [Probability 1] to any person interested in the debate: It is clearly and gracefully written and it is up-to-date in its astronomical data."-Martin Gardner, Los Angeles Times Book Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0151003769
• ISBN 13: 9780151003761
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 230