Extraterrestrial Intelligence [Hardcover]

Jean Heidmann (Author), Storm Dunlop (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 25, 1995

The question of whether or not we are alone in the universe has piqued the curiosity of humankind from ancient to modern times. If extraterrestrial intelligence exists, then positive detection of it would be the greatest scientific discovery of all time. By what criteria should we judge if we are alone in the cosmos, and how should we set about detecting extraterrestrials? Jean Heidmann answers these questions in his engaging discussion of extraterrestrial intelligence. The author shows how planets fit into the hierarchy of the universe, and discusses prebiotic stages of life, and the emergence of primitive biological life in the solar system. From this base the entire subject of extraterrestrials is explained: techniques for searching and the results of current projects (including the Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI) project); the expansion of searches for extraterrestrials; the habitable zones in our universe; and what might happen if actual contact takes place. This lively account is written for a general readership with interest in this topic. Jean Heidmann is the author of Cosmic Odessey (CUP, 1989).

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 --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"...the reader will learn a lot about SETI...by the end of the book...a good book for anyone looking for a serious overview of SETI." SpaceViews

"Extraterrestrial Intelligence is a primer for our time." Astronomy

"...perfect for newcomers to the topic. A healthy dose of science is added to elevate this beyond the pop realm." The Bookwatch

"...engaging, galaxy-sweeping survey of the past, present, and future of this longshot but exciting field of research...includes many fascinating details from the various space probes that have examined Haley's comet, panets and moons in our solar system, and other phenomena in our galaxy...is a must read for anyone with a serious interest in up-to-date coverage of SETI and the people who are making it happen." Rapport

"This book is a must read for those pondering the true meaning behind the claim of possible micro-fossils on Mars." Space News Book Reviews

"Heidmann's obvious joy in raw speculation--all of it grounded in real science--is contagious." Amazon.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 268 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1st Ed.(U.K.) edition (August 25, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521453402
• ISBN-13: 978-0521453400
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,805,281 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!