Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Canto original series) [Paperback]

Jean Heidmann (Author), Storm Dunlop (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521585635 | ISBN-13: 978-0521585637 | Publication Date: April 28, 1997 | Edition: Revised

By what criteria should we judge whether we are alone in the cosmos, and how should we set about detecting extraterrestrials? Jean Heidmann answers these questions in this engaging discussion of extraterrestrial intelligence. Using clear explanations, including new and updated information, he covers the entire subject of extraterrestrial intelligence including the SETI project and what might happen if actual contact takes place.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Science fiction writers have given us many fine novels contemplating humankind's first contact with intelligent extraterrestrials. But our nonfiction world has not thought much about what to do if we are actually faced with this situation. Jean Heidmann, Chief Astronomer at the Paris Observatory (and self-styled bioastronomer), offers a book on the subject that is at once serious and fun. Heidmann's obvious joy in raw speculation--all of it grounded in real science--is contagious. If aliens send us a message from many light years away, for example, how should we respond? Heidmann reviews the protocols established in the SETI Declaration and then offers his own suggestion: send them the entire contents of the Encyclopedia Britannica

Review

"Aimed at the general public, it succinctly covers all the important aspects of the field...Heidmann writes in a lucid, agreeable personal style." Nature

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Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; Revised edition (April 28, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521585635
• ISBN-13: 978-0521585637
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,037,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Is there anybody out there? Maybe says Heidmann..., June 5, 2000

By 

Christoph Eichhorn - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Hardcover)

Astrobotany, Bioastronomy, Cosmobiology Exobiology, Astrobiology,...

This relative young field of science seemes to change its name every few years to cause some excitement. But for those who are familiar with the subjects it deals with, it's clear that this is not necessary. Exobiology (well, choose one of the other names if you don't like this one) is a wide-range-field: It tries to explain the origins of life on Earth as well as the processes necessary for life to arrise in the universe. From the Big Bang to the development of rational beings. And it explores the problem of life on other planets. Jean Heidmann, a dedicated Bioastronomer, gives a detailed overview about the subject. Speculative, but with grounded scientific arguments. And he provides insights into current projects that are dedicated to the search for life in the universe, ranging from extraterrestrial planetfinder devices to probes that visited Mars. I recomend this Book to everyone who wants to inform him/herself about the possibility of primitive/advanced life in the universe. It represents a good introduction for those who set a foot on new terrain, and provides new information for those who are familiar with the subject. Every page of the book contains tons of information on the topic and I had to read it several times to remember all the stuff Heidmann presents. Highly readable!