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Faint Echoes, Distant Stars

The Science and Politics of Finding Life Beyond Earth

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Faint Echoes, Distant Stars

By: Ben Bova
Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki
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About this listen

Our neighboring planets may have the answer to this question. Scientists have already identified ice caps on Mars and what appear to be enormous oceans underneath the ice of Jupiter's moons. The atmosphere on Venus appeared harsh and insupportable of life, composed of a toxic atmosphere and oceans of acid - until scientists concluded that Earth's atmosphere was eerily similar billions of years ago.

An extraterrestrial colony, in some form, may already exist, just awaiting discovery. But the greatest impediment to such an important scientific discovery may not be technological, but political. No scientific endeavor can be launched without a budget, and matters of money are within the arena of politicians. Dr. Ben Bova explores some of the key players and the arguments waged in a debate of both scientific and cultural priorities, showing the emotions, the controversy, and the egos involved in arguably the most important scientific pursuit ever begun.

©2005 Ben Bova (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science Biological Sciences Cosmology Evolution Evolution & Genetics Physics Political Science Politics & Government Science

Critic reviews

"This book will excite science buffs while being accessible to general readers hoping to one day meet our extraterrestrial relations." (Publishers Weekly)
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while the book was interesting, a lot of the subject material and the missions discussed are in the books 'future'. As the book was published in 2003, some of the future missions it mentions (New Horizons mission to Pluto, the Rosette mission etc) have already concluded, and this gives the book a 'dated feel'.. this is unfortunate, as otherwise the content is very interesting.

A good book, but quite out of date

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An excellent review and account of the history of both space exploration and the search for life beyond Earth, the new field of Astrobiology is linked, sadly, to political and financial interests
Ben Bova's book makes it clear that with the will of the people we could much sooner rather than later find answers to questions including possibly the most profound ever asked, Are we alone?

Need to get the politicians to hear this

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