Product Description

Is there life elsewhere in the universe? What might it be like and how will we ever find it? Cosmic Company ponders the possibility of aliens visiting the Earth, as well as what it would mean if we were to pick up a signal from the cosmos that would prove we're neither alone, nor the smartest creatures in creation. It explains why scientists think life might be plentiful on other worlds, and how we might get in touch. Containing a thorough overview of the science and technology behind the search for life, the book highlights current and future space missions and research, which are aiming to answer some of the greatest questions mankind has ever asked. This easy-to-read book, by two experienced writers of popular astronomy, is suitable for anyone who ever wondered whether there’s anybody out there…

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #641857 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 168 pages

Review
‘… it's likely to become a classic on the subject, and is entertaining and informative enough for anyone to read with pleasure … the illustrations are particularly good - characterful, informative, and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. High recommended.’ Focus

‘The copious, full colour illustrations are fun … ranging from fine astronomical photographs to whimsical portraits of imaginary aliens … This would be a good read for an enquiring 10 or 12 year old, or for an adult who wants a quick and accessible primer into the world of SETI research.‘ Astronomy Now

‘… it is clearly written and the material is accurate and jargon-free … there are many handsome colour illustrations … overall, I enjoyed reading this short book. It should give the general reader a basic insight into SETI, how it is done, and how important it is to do it.’ The Observatory

‘Cosmic Company is a concise and up-to-date account of the aims, hopes, problems and challenges that arise in the search for intelligent life beyond Earth.‘ Astronomy and Space

‘The copious, full-colour illustrations are fun, though, ranging from fine astronomical photographs to whimsical portraits of imaginary aliens. … This would be a good read for an enquiring 10 or 12 year old, or for an adult who wants a quick and accessible primer into the world of SETI research.‘ Astronomy Now

About the Author
Seth Shostak is a Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institute, Mountain View, California.

Alex Barnett is CEO of the Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland, California.

Customer Reviews

A science book thats fun to read? SHOCK! HORROR!
Could there be aliens? What might the aliens be like? How would we contact them? Are they more intelligent than us? Could they be among us at this very moment?

These are just a small number of the questions that this book attempts (and exceeds in most circumstances) to answer.

Science books always seem to obey the same basic rules:

' dull
' monotonous
' mind-boggling

This book on the other hand, is an exception... and what a refreshing exception it is. When I originally ordered the book I expected to recieve a small A6 size book with no images and very little colour, when I recieved the item I found it to be quite the opposite. The book is neatly filed into seperate chapters, and then seperate paragrapg segments within the chapters. There are plenty of colourful (and slightly amusing) images ranging from actual pictures of the planets in the solar system to computer generated images of 'Jo Alien' (don't ask =P).

Now enough of the appearence of the book, it may be fancy but does it have any substance?! I can put your 'fears' at rest and say that this book definately lived up to my expectations. It is filled with pertinent information and you don't need to be a science boffin to understand it. I particularly liked the way that the book remarkebly manages to remain unbiased almost consistently throughout. All too often when the topic "do aliens exist?" is brought up you have the 'scientists' on one side, believers on the other side and people who really could care less in the middle. This book neither sways consistently towards the scientific side nor the believers side, but seems to maintain a constant equilbirium between the two. And for those people in the middle? No problemo, this book will help you decide. You see, everybodys happy!

Are we the only intelligent lifeform in the universe? (statistically that is almost impossible, this book explains why!)

Now, why didn't this book get a 5* rating I hear you cry out in frustration. It is simply because it isn't perfect. It doesn't come up with a foregone conclusion about whether or not aliens actually exist. Now, I know I am being picky and unfair by saying this but it is true. Also I found some parts rather uninteresting and too much of the book (about 1/8th) concentrated solely on SETA (an organisation that searches for extra terrestrial activity). This is probably the only bias in the book, but doesn't really distract from the overall brilliance. Afterall, to some people it may be very interesting... I just found it got a bit monotonous towards the end of the book.

Too each thier own as they say!