Alien Universe

Extraterrestrial Life in Our Minds and in the Cosmos

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Biology, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Popular Culture
Cover of the book Alien Universe by Don Lincoln, Johns Hopkins University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Don Lincoln ISBN: 9781421410739
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press Publication: October 15, 2013
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Don Lincoln
ISBN: 9781421410739
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication: October 15, 2013
Imprint:
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Johns Hopkins University Press

Cover of the book A Tour of the Senses by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book The Myth of the Birth of the Hero by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Still Down by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Living in Death’s Shadow by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book When Stories Travel by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book The Empire of the Dead by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book New Worlds for All by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Ducks, Geese, and Swans of North America by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Transitions from Authoritarian Rule by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Professors in the Gig Economy by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Righting America at the Creation Museum by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Game Changer by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Uncompromising Activist by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book The Skeleton Revealed by Don Lincoln
Cover of the book Monstrous Motherhood by Don Lincoln
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy