Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee, astrobiologists at a secular university, question Carl Sagan and Frank Drake's conclusion that extra-terrestrial civilizations number in the millions. The authors' observations reach from the volcanic hot springs on ocean floors to the surface of Jupiter's moon, Europa. They argue that, while microbial life may be more prevalent than previously believed, conditions for the survival of higher life forms are too exacting to have arisen in many other places. Rare Earth fascinate anyone interested in the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. It offers a thoughtful reminder that life on Earth may be more precious than many have thought.

Level: Undergraduate

1 Paperback, 23 oz.