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.

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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.

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