
What determines whether complex life will arise on a planet or even any life at all? Questions such as these are investigated in this groundbreaking book. In doing so the authors synthesize information from astronomy biology & paleontology & apply it to what we know about the rise of life on Earth & to what could possibly happen elsewhere in the universe. Everyone who has been thrilled by the recent discoveries of extrasolar planets & the indications of life on Mars & the Jovian moon Europa will be fascinated by Rare Earth & its implications for those who look to the heavens for companionship.