Extraterrestrials by Wade Roush

A super-duper interesting read. As the text in the back of the book reads: “Are we alone in the universe? If not, where is everybody? An engaging exploration of one of the most important unsolved problems in science”, Extraterrestrials briefly explores scientific work done in the past few decades trying to: see if there is a chance that were are not alone in the universe, and if there is, could we find traces of other advanced civilisations in our galaxy?

The well-known Fermi paradox is a consequence to the question posted above. And this book would be an excellent introduction on anything Fermi paradox related, I guess.

The first chapter goes through currents of thought on space and our role in the cosmos, from the Greek philosophers to the dark ages and to revolutionary thinkers such as Copernicus, Bruno and Galileo. Chapter 2 discusses the origins, and work at SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), what they are looking for, where in space are they looking and what technology they are using. Chapter 3 discusses the kinds of life that are possible, what have we learn from life on earth? Also, what kinds of exoplanets could hold life? Chapter 4 lists a number of responses to the Fermi paradox. I didn’t know there could be so many and so varied. Chapter 5 Roush discusses a bit more in-depth the most convincing (to him) answers to the Fermi paradox.

This would be an excellent supplement read to any science fiction reader.