Comets and the Origin of Life - Hardcover

Janaki Wickramasinghe Et Al

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 981256635X ISBN 13: 9789812566355

Publisher: World Scientific Publishing, 2009

Synopsis

The idea that comets may be connected with the origin of life on Earth was considered heresy a few decades ago, with scientists shying away from this possibility as if from a medieval superstition. However the case that comets may have contributed at least the complex organic building blocks of life has become very strong, and mechanisms have now been identified whereby comets may incubate and transfer microbial life from one cosmic habitat to another in the Galaxy. The latter process cometary panspermia was pioneered by the late Sir Fred Hoyle and one of the present authors in the early 1980s. A theory that was once controversial is slowly gaining scientific respectability and support. The recent surge of interest in astrobiology has led to a spate of books in astrobiology combining astronomy and biology but in most of these, cometary panspermia is dealt with only cursorily. The present book sets out the case for cometary panspermia in a cogent way, combining evidence from space science, celestial mechanics, geology and microbiology. It should be an essential part of any university course on astrobiology, and also serve as a reference textbook for researchers in the field.

About this title

Product Description

The idea that comets may be connected with the origins of life on Earth was considered heresy decades ago, but is now slowly gaining respect and support. The recent surge of interest in astrobiology has led to a spate of books designed for university courses, but the subject of cometary panspermia is only dealt with very briefly. Future space missions are directed to verifying aspects of this subject, and this definitive book by one of the pioneers of the field makes essential reading. The book presents the growing case for cometary panspermia in a cogent form, citing evidence from space science, geology and biology. It forms an important component of any undergraduate course on astrobiology, whilst also serving the needs of researchers in the field.

Review

This book provides a very cogent, scientific and orderly review of the Hoyle-Wickaramsinghe revival of the ancient theory of panspermia. --Professor Gilbert V Levin Arizona State University

This book challenges us to ponder on our origins and therefore deserves to be read by those embarking on astrobiology studies, if only to seek to refute the hypothesis put forward. --Reviews

Edition details

• Publisher: World Scientific Publishing
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 981256635X
• ISBN 13: 9789812566355
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 232