The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900

The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900

Author: Michael J. Crowe

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2012-05-04

Total Pages: 704

ISBN-13: 0486145018

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Detailed, scholarly study examines the ideas that developed between 1750 and 1900 regarding the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, including those of Kant, Herschel, Voltaire, Lowell, many others. 16 illustrations.


Book Synopsis The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900 by : Michael J. Crowe

Download or read book The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900 written by Michael J. Crowe and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2012-05-04 with total page 704 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Detailed, scholarly study examines the ideas that developed between 1750 and 1900 regarding the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life, including those of Kant, Herschel, Voltaire, Lowell, many others. 16 illustrations.


The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900

The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900

Author: Michael John Crowe

Publisher:

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Book Synopsis The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900 by : Michael John Crowe

Download or read book The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900 written by Michael John Crowe and published by . This book was released on 1988 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915

The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915

Author: Michael J. Crowe

Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 592

ISBN-13:

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This book presents key documents from the pre-1915 history of the extraterrestrial life debate. Introductions and commentaries accompany each source document, some of which are published here for the first time or in a new translation. Authors included are Aristotle, Lucretius, Aquinas, Nicholas of Cusa, Galileo, Kepler, Pascal, Fontenelle, Huygens, Newton, Pope, Voltaire, Kant, Paine, Chalmers, Darwin, Wallace, Dostoevski, Lowell, and Antoniadi, among others. Michael J. Crowe has compiled an extensive bibliography not available in other sources. These materials reveal that the extraterrestrial life debate, rather than being a relatively modern phenomenon, has extended throughout nearly all Western history and has involved many of its leading intellectuals. The readings also demonstrate that belief in extraterrestrial life has had major effects on science and society, and that metaphysical and religious views have permeated the debate throughout much of its history. "This is a valuable book that is not available anywhere else. . . . Crowe's purpose is to let the reader see the original words of the authors who discussed other worlds. Crowe puts these documents in context by his substantial introduction and commentary. . . . Such a source book serves an important purpose, and is ideal for teaching and generating discussion in class. The subject is of increasing importance as we find more and more about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life through current disciplines such as astrobiology, bioastronomy, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence." --Steven J. Dick, Director, NASA History Division, NASA "Having established himself as the world's authority on the history of the debates about extraterrestrial life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Michael Crowe is perfectly positioned to produce this source book. The introductory commentaries on the excerpts from primary sources he has so judiciously selected reveal again and again that no one else knows this subject as well as he does." --Frederick Gregory, University of Florida "The Extraterrestrial Life Debate gives new meaning to the word 'treasury.' Michael Crowe offers us more than 2000 years of golden materials--wrought by the astonishing alchemy of science, religion, philosophy, and sheer imagination--about a topic as alive today as it ever was: ET, with all his cousins and ancestors. The range of authors the book showcases, and the depth of context Crowe provides, will make his monumental anthology the starting point for future explorations of this rich vein of human thought." --Dennis Danielson, University of British Columbia "There are loads of books on ET, but only a small number of them take a historical approach . . . Anyone interested in the history of the extraterrestrial life debate will be interested in this book; it does complete in a certain way previous historical work done by Steven Dick and Michael Crowe by providing large portions of original texts rather than merely short quotations from them. . . . All the various perspectives, religious, literary, astronomical, philosophical, seem adequately represented. The multidisciplinary aspect of the debate comes across well from the authors selected." --Marie I. George, St. John's University "Extraterrestrials may not have invaded the Earth physically but for centuries they have done so mentally. In many a guise they have appeared not only in works of fiction but also in serious astronomical, philosophical and theological debate. It is impossible to open Michael Crowe's handsome and fastidiously prepared anthology of primary sources without being drawn into endlessly fascinating disputes concerning the possibility and character of extraterrestrial life. Savoring the many twists and turns in controversies that have extended far beyond the confines of popular astronomy, Professor Crowe has provided students and experts alike with a generous and indispensable resource. It is difficult to resist his invitation to investigate for ourselves the innumerable, and often surprising, ways in which the idea of intelligent life on other worlds has shaped and been shaped by perennial Earthly concerns." --John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor Emeritus of Science and Religion, University of Oxford


Book Synopsis The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915 by : Michael J. Crowe

Download or read book The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915 written by Michael J. Crowe and published by University of Notre Dame Press. This book was released on 2008 with total page 592 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents key documents from the pre-1915 history of the extraterrestrial life debate. Introductions and commentaries accompany each source document, some of which are published here for the first time or in a new translation. Authors included are Aristotle, Lucretius, Aquinas, Nicholas of Cusa, Galileo, Kepler, Pascal, Fontenelle, Huygens, Newton, Pope, Voltaire, Kant, Paine, Chalmers, Darwin, Wallace, Dostoevski, Lowell, and Antoniadi, among others. Michael J. Crowe has compiled an extensive bibliography not available in other sources. These materials reveal that the extraterrestrial life debate, rather than being a relatively modern phenomenon, has extended throughout nearly all Western history and has involved many of its leading intellectuals. The readings also demonstrate that belief in extraterrestrial life has had major effects on science and society, and that metaphysical and religious views have permeated the debate throughout much of its history. "This is a valuable book that is not available anywhere else. . . . Crowe's purpose is to let the reader see the original words of the authors who discussed other worlds. Crowe puts these documents in context by his substantial introduction and commentary. . . . Such a source book serves an important purpose, and is ideal for teaching and generating discussion in class. The subject is of increasing importance as we find more and more about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life through current disciplines such as astrobiology, bioastronomy, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence." --Steven J. Dick, Director, NASA History Division, NASA "Having established himself as the world's authority on the history of the debates about extraterrestrial life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Michael Crowe is perfectly positioned to produce this source book. The introductory commentaries on the excerpts from primary sources he has so judiciously selected reveal again and again that no one else knows this subject as well as he does." --Frederick Gregory, University of Florida "The Extraterrestrial Life Debate gives new meaning to the word 'treasury.' Michael Crowe offers us more than 2000 years of golden materials--wrought by the astonishing alchemy of science, religion, philosophy, and sheer imagination--about a topic as alive today as it ever was: ET, with all his cousins and ancestors. The range of authors the book showcases, and the depth of context Crowe provides, will make his monumental anthology the starting point for future explorations of this rich vein of human thought." --Dennis Danielson, University of British Columbia "There are loads of books on ET, but only a small number of them take a historical approach . . . Anyone interested in the history of the extraterrestrial life debate will be interested in this book; it does complete in a certain way previous historical work done by Steven Dick and Michael Crowe by providing large portions of original texts rather than merely short quotations from them. . . . All the various perspectives, religious, literary, astronomical, philosophical, seem adequately represented. The multidisciplinary aspect of the debate comes across well from the authors selected." --Marie I. George, St. John's University "Extraterrestrials may not have invaded the Earth physically but for centuries they have done so mentally. In many a guise they have appeared not only in works of fiction but also in serious astronomical, philosophical and theological debate. It is impossible to open Michael Crowe's handsome and fastidiously prepared anthology of primary sources without being drawn into endlessly fascinating disputes concerning the possibility and character of extraterrestrial life. Savoring the many twists and turns in controversies that have extended far beyond the confines of popular astronomy, Professor Crowe has provided students and experts alike with a generous and indispensable resource. It is difficult to resist his invitation to investigate for ourselves the innumerable, and often surprising, ways in which the idea of intelligent life on other worlds has shaped and been shaped by perennial Earthly concerns." --John Hedley Brooke, Andreas Idreos Professor Emeritus of Science and Religion, University of Oxford


The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900

The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900

Author: Michael J. Crowe

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1986-04-30

Total Pages: 682

ISBN-13: 9780521263054

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This is the first in-depth study in English of the international debate that developed between 1750 and 1900 concerning the question of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligent life. Taking a history of ideas approach, the author describes the controversies that-arose over this question and reveals the great extent to which this issue influenced astronomical, philosophical, and religious thought. Professor Crowe shows that the majority of the leading astronomers of the last two centuries participated in this debate and he analyzes how their views interacted with new developments such as Newtonian mechanics, stellar astronomy, Darwinian theory, and astrophysics. This fascinating and critical history shows that the longstanding and widespread belief in extraterrestrial life has for centuries acted to alter major areas of our intellectual life.


Book Synopsis The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900 by : Michael J. Crowe

Download or read book The Extraterrestrial Life Debate 1750-1900 written by Michael J. Crowe and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1986-04-30 with total page 682 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the first in-depth study in English of the international debate that developed between 1750 and 1900 concerning the question of the existence of extraterrestrial intelligent life. Taking a history of ideas approach, the author describes the controversies that-arose over this question and reveals the great extent to which this issue influenced astronomical, philosophical, and religious thought. Professor Crowe shows that the majority of the leading astronomers of the last two centuries participated in this debate and he analyzes how their views interacted with new developments such as Newtonian mechanics, stellar astronomy, Darwinian theory, and astrophysics. This fascinating and critical history shows that the longstanding and widespread belief in extraterrestrial life has for centuries acted to alter major areas of our intellectual life.


Life on Other Worlds

Life on Other Worlds

Author: Steven J. Dick

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2001-03-19

Total Pages: 306

ISBN-13: 9780521799126

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Are we alone in the universe? From canals on Mars to the search for ET, the debate goes on. Lucid and accessible, this otherworldly guide chronicles the history of the 20th century obsession with extraterrestrials.


Book Synopsis Life on Other Worlds by : Steven J. Dick

Download or read book Life on Other Worlds written by Steven J. Dick and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2001-03-19 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are we alone in the universe? From canals on Mars to the search for ET, the debate goes on. Lucid and accessible, this otherworldly guide chronicles the history of the 20th century obsession with extraterrestrials.


Christianity and Extraterrestrials?

Christianity and Extraterrestrials?

Author: Marie George

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 0595358276

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Does ETI existence spell the death of Christianity? The increasingly popular answer is "yes". Marie George argues, to the contrary, that Christian belief is compatible with ETI existence, by examining Roman Catholic teaching and Scripture. She then makes a case that while Christian belief does not exclude ETI existence, it does render it improbable. George goes on to expose the faulty reasoning behind the common opinion that science indicates that the universe surely contains other intelligent life forms. She closes with speculations on what the Catholic Church might eventually say about ETIs. Central to her analysis is the cosmic role of Christ. "I appreciate arguments like those in Christianity and Extraterrestrials?, laid out carefully and investigated thoroughly. If more writers proceeded with Dr. George's care and courtesy, there would be new hope for peace in the world." John L. Barger, Ph.D. Publisher, Sophia Institute Press "Although some of Dr. George's claims are controversial, she is clearly an author seeking the truth and open to opposing arguments. Moreover, she has sought out the best sources and used them wisely-in short, an admirable scholarly presentation." Michael J. Crowe Cavanaugh Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame and author of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900


Book Synopsis Christianity and Extraterrestrials? by : Marie George

Download or read book Christianity and Extraterrestrials? written by Marie George and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2005 with total page 314 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Does ETI existence spell the death of Christianity? The increasingly popular answer is "yes". Marie George argues, to the contrary, that Christian belief is compatible with ETI existence, by examining Roman Catholic teaching and Scripture. She then makes a case that while Christian belief does not exclude ETI existence, it does render it improbable. George goes on to expose the faulty reasoning behind the common opinion that science indicates that the universe surely contains other intelligent life forms. She closes with speculations on what the Catholic Church might eventually say about ETIs. Central to her analysis is the cosmic role of Christ. "I appreciate arguments like those in Christianity and Extraterrestrials?, laid out carefully and investigated thoroughly. If more writers proceeded with Dr. George's care and courtesy, there would be new hope for peace in the world." John L. Barger, Ph.D. Publisher, Sophia Institute Press "Although some of Dr. George's claims are controversial, she is clearly an author seeking the truth and open to opposing arguments. Moreover, she has sought out the best sources and used them wisely-in short, an admirable scholarly presentation." Michael J. Crowe Cavanaugh Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame and author of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750-1900


The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window and Expanding our View of Planet Earth

The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window and Expanding our View of Planet Earth

Author: Wayne Orchiston

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2006-01-17

Total Pages: 345

ISBN-13: 1402037244

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This is an unusual book, combining as it does papers on astrobiology, history of astronomy and sundials, but—after all—Woody Sullivan is an unusual man. In late 2003 I spent two fruitful and enjoyable months in the Astronomy Department at the University of Washington (UW) working on archival material accumulated over the decades by Woody, for a book we will co-author with Jessica Chapman on the early development of Australian astronomy. The only serious intellectual distraction I faced during this period was planning for an IAU colloquium on transits of Venus scheduled for June 2004 in England, where I was down to present the ‘Cook’ paper. I knew Woody was also interested in transits (and, indeed, anything remotely connected with shadows—see his paper on page 3), and in discussing the Preston meeting with him it transpired that his 60th birthday was timed to occur just one week later. This was where the seed of ‘Woodfest’ began to germinate. Why not invite friends and colleagues to join Woody in Seattle and celebrate this proud event? I put the idea to Woody and others at UW, they liked it, and ‘Woodfest’ was born.


Book Synopsis The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window and Expanding our View of Planet Earth by : Wayne Orchiston

Download or read book The New Astronomy: Opening the Electromagnetic Window and Expanding our View of Planet Earth written by Wayne Orchiston and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-01-17 with total page 345 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is an unusual book, combining as it does papers on astrobiology, history of astronomy and sundials, but—after all—Woody Sullivan is an unusual man. In late 2003 I spent two fruitful and enjoyable months in the Astronomy Department at the University of Washington (UW) working on archival material accumulated over the decades by Woody, for a book we will co-author with Jessica Chapman on the early development of Australian astronomy. The only serious intellectual distraction I faced during this period was planning for an IAU colloquium on transits of Venus scheduled for June 2004 in England, where I was down to present the ‘Cook’ paper. I knew Woody was also interested in transits (and, indeed, anything remotely connected with shadows—see his paper on page 3), and in discussing the Preston meeting with him it transpired that his 60th birthday was timed to occur just one week later. This was where the seed of ‘Woodfest’ began to germinate. Why not invite friends and colleagues to join Woody in Seattle and celebrate this proud event? I put the idea to Woody and others at UW, they liked it, and ‘Woodfest’ was born.


Christianity and Extraterrestrials?

Christianity and Extraterrestrials?

Author: Marie I. George

Publisher: iUniverse

Published: 2005-06-22

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 9780595802906

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Does ETI existence spell the death of Christianity? The increasingly popular answer is "yes". Marie George argues, to the contrary, that Christian belief is compatible with ETI existence, by examining Roman Catholic teaching and Scripture. She then makes a case that while Christian belief does not exclude ETI existence, it does render it improbable. George goes on to expose the faulty reasoning behind the common opinion that science indicates that the universe surely contains other intelligent life forms. She closes with speculations on what the Catholic Church might eventually say about ETIs. Central to her analysis is the cosmic role of Christ. "I appreciate arguments like those in Christianity and Extraterrestrials?, laid out carefully and investigated thoroughly. If more writers proceeded with Dr. George's care and courtesy, there would be new hope for peace in the world." John L. Barger, Ph.D. Publisher, Sophia Institute Press "Although some of Dr. George's claims are controversial, she is clearly an author seeking the truth and open to opposing arguments. Moreover, she has sought out the best sources and used them wisely-in short, an admirable scholarly presentation." Michael J. Crowe Cavanaugh Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame and author of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750?1900


Book Synopsis Christianity and Extraterrestrials? by : Marie I. George

Download or read book Christianity and Extraterrestrials? written by Marie I. George and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2005-06-22 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Does ETI existence spell the death of Christianity? The increasingly popular answer is "yes". Marie George argues, to the contrary, that Christian belief is compatible with ETI existence, by examining Roman Catholic teaching and Scripture. She then makes a case that while Christian belief does not exclude ETI existence, it does render it improbable. George goes on to expose the faulty reasoning behind the common opinion that science indicates that the universe surely contains other intelligent life forms. She closes with speculations on what the Catholic Church might eventually say about ETIs. Central to her analysis is the cosmic role of Christ. "I appreciate arguments like those in Christianity and Extraterrestrials?, laid out carefully and investigated thoroughly. If more writers proceeded with Dr. George's care and courtesy, there would be new hope for peace in the world." John L. Barger, Ph.D. Publisher, Sophia Institute Press "Although some of Dr. George's claims are controversial, she is clearly an author seeking the truth and open to opposing arguments. Moreover, she has sought out the best sources and used them wisely-in short, an admirable scholarly presentation." Michael J. Crowe Cavanaugh Professor Emeritus, University of Notre Dame and author of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, 1750?1900


Life in the Universe

Life in the Universe

Author: Joseph Seckbach

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 382

ISBN-13: 9400710038

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The year 2003 was the 50th anniversary of the seminal experiment of Stanley Miller. This was a unique opportunity for highlighting the current interest in this most interdisciplinary subject. The leading space agencies: the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as NASA, the American Space Agency, have planned missions that will elucidate some of the still unknown questions underlying research in the origin of life. New results are surpassing our ability to keep well informed: the reviews that we were presented at the Trieste meeting will bring the readers of this well-documented and timely book up to date in this fast-moving area. An important component of the conference was the review of the Cassini-Huygens mission due to arrive in the Saturn system just one year after the conference convened in Trieste. There was particular interest in the status of the experiments that will take place inside the atmosphere of Titan, the large satellite, which is a testing ground for the theories and experiments in the field of chemical evolution. The Jovian system is currently under study with the view of investigating the possibility of life underneath the frozen surface of the Galilean moon Europa; the ESA mission "Mars Express" and Mars Odyssey received special attention. Some of the world leaders in the field gathered in Trieste in September 2003 - that was a most timely date for reviewing recent data and discussing the prospects of future research.


Book Synopsis Life in the Universe by : Joseph Seckbach

Download or read book Life in the Universe written by Joseph Seckbach and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The year 2003 was the 50th anniversary of the seminal experiment of Stanley Miller. This was a unique opportunity for highlighting the current interest in this most interdisciplinary subject. The leading space agencies: the European Space Agency (ESA) as well as NASA, the American Space Agency, have planned missions that will elucidate some of the still unknown questions underlying research in the origin of life. New results are surpassing our ability to keep well informed: the reviews that we were presented at the Trieste meeting will bring the readers of this well-documented and timely book up to date in this fast-moving area. An important component of the conference was the review of the Cassini-Huygens mission due to arrive in the Saturn system just one year after the conference convened in Trieste. There was particular interest in the status of the experiments that will take place inside the atmosphere of Titan, the large satellite, which is a testing ground for the theories and experiments in the field of chemical evolution. The Jovian system is currently under study with the view of investigating the possibility of life underneath the frozen surface of the Galilean moon Europa; the ESA mission "Mars Express" and Mars Odyssey received special attention. Some of the world leaders in the field gathered in Trieste in September 2003 - that was a most timely date for reviewing recent data and discussing the prospects of future research.


Alien Universe

Alien Universe

Author: Don Lincoln

Publisher: JHU Press

Published: 2013-10-15

Total Pages: 279

ISBN-13: 1421410737

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Are alien civilizations really possible? If extraterrestrials exist, where are they? How likely is it that somewhere in the universe an Earth-like planet supports an advanced culture? Why do so many people claim to have encountered Aliens? In this gripping exploration, scientist Don Lincoln exposes and explains the truths about the belief in and the search for life on other planets. In the first half of Alien Universe, Lincoln looks to Western civilization's collective image of Aliens, showing how our perceptions of extraterrestrials have evolved over time. The roots of this belief can be traced as far back as our earliest recognition of other planets in the universe—the idea of them supporting life was a natural progression of thinking that has fascinated us ever since. Our captivation with Aliens has, however, led to mixed results. The world was fooled in the nineteenth century during the Great Moon Hoax of 1835, and many people misunderstood Orson Welles's 1938 radio broadcast, The War of the Worlds, leading to significant anxiety among some listeners. Our continuing interest in Aliens is reflected in entertainment successes such as E.T., The X-Files, and Star Trek. The second half of the book explores the scientific possibility of whether advanced Alien civilizations do exist. For many years, researchers have sought to answer Enrico Fermi’s great paradox—if there are so many planets in the universe and there is a high probability that many of those can support life, then why have we not actually encountered any Aliens? Lincoln describes how modern science teaches us what is possible and what is not in our search for extraterrestrial civilizations. Whether you are drawn to the psychological belief in Aliens, the history of our interest in life on other planets, or the scientific possibility of Alien existence, Alien Universe is sure to hold you spellbound.


Book Synopsis Alien Universe by : Don Lincoln

Download or read book Alien Universe written by Don Lincoln and published by JHU Press. This book was released on 2013-10-15 with total page 279 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Are alien civilizations really possible? If extraterrestrials exist, where are they? How likely is it that somewhere in the universe an Earth-like planet supports an advanced culture? Why do so many people claim to have encountered Aliens? In this gripping exploration, scientist Don Lincoln exposes and explains the truths about the belief in and the search for life on other planets. In the first half of Alien Universe, Lincoln looks to Western civilization's collective image of Aliens, showing how our perceptions of extraterrestrials have evolved over time. The roots of this belief can be traced as far back as our earliest recognition of other planets in the universe—the idea of them supporting life was a natural progression of thinking that has fascinated us ever since. Our captivation with Aliens has, however, led to mixed results. The world was fooled in the nineteenth century during the Great Moon Hoax of 1835, and many people misunderstood Orson Welles's 1938 radio broadcast, The War of the Worlds, leading to significant anxiety among some listeners. Our continuing interest in Aliens is reflected in entertainment successes such as E.T., The X-Files, and Star Trek. The second half of the book explores the scientific possibility of whether advanced Alien civilizations do exist. For many years, researchers have sought to answer Enrico Fermi’s great paradox—if there are so many planets in the universe and there is a high probability that many of those can support life, then why have we not actually encountered any Aliens? Lincoln describes how modern science teaches us what is possible and what is not in our search for extraterrestrial civilizations. Whether you are drawn to the psychological belief in Aliens, the history of our interest in life on other planets, or the scientific possibility of Alien existence, Alien Universe is sure to hold you spellbound.