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Ultraviolet Astronomy and the Quest for the Origin of Life addresses the use of astronomical observations in the ultraviolet range to better understand the generation of complex, life-precursor molecules. The origin of RNA is still under debate but seems to be related to the generation of pools of complex organic molecules submitted to heavy cycles of solution in water and drying. This book investigates whether these cycles require a planetary surface or may occur in space by examining both the theoretical and observational aspects of the role of UV radiation in the origin of life. This book offers the latest advances in these studies for astronomers, astrobiologists and planetary scientists. Addresses both the theoretical and observational aspects of the role of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the origin of life Builds on the requirements to produce prebiotic molecules in space and the implications for the origin of RNA Investigates the use of ultraviolet observations related to planetary system formation, the evolution of young planetary disks, and the interaction of stars with planetary atmospheres

Modern astrophysics has evolved early phases of discovery and classification to a physics-oriented quest for answers to fundamental problems from cosmology to the origin and diversity of life-sustainable systems in the Universe. Future progress in modern astrophysics requires access to the electromagnetic spectrum in the broadest energy range. This book describes the fundamental problems in modern astrophysics that cannot progress without easy and wide-spread access to modern UV instrumentation.

From the primordial soup to meteorite impact zones, the Manhattan Project to the latest research, this book is the first full history of the scientists who strive to explain the genesis of life. How did life begin? Why are we here? These are some of the most profound questions we can ask. For almost a century, a small band of eccentric scientists has struggled to answer these questions and explain one of the greatest mysteries of all: how and why life began on Earth. There are many different proposals, and each idea has attracted passionate believers who promote it with an almost religious fervor, as well as detractors who reject it with equal passion. But the quest to unravel life’s genesis is not just a story of big ideas. It is also a compelling human story, rich in personalities, conflicts, and surprising twists and turns. Along the way, the journey takes in some of the greatest discoveries in modern biology, from evolution and cells to DNA and life’s family tree. It is also a search whose end may finally be in sight. In The Genesis Quest, Michael Marshall shows how the quest to understand life’s beginning is also a journey to discover the true nature of life, and by extension our place in the universe.

Modern astrophysics has evolved early phases of discovery and classification to a physics-oriented quest for answers to fundamental problems from cosmology to the origin and diversity of life-sustainable systems in the Universe. Future progress in modern astrophysics requires access to the electromagnetic spectrum in the broadest energy range. This book describes the fundamental problems in modern astrophysics that cannot progress without easy and wide-spread access to modern UV instrumentation.

In the history of science the opening up of a new observational or experimental window is always followed by an increase in knowledge of the subject concerned. This is also the case with the subject of this book, ultraviolet radiation (hereafter UV). In principle, the ultraviolet range might be just one more of these windows, of no particular importance. However, the energy per UV photon provides the main peculiarity, its magnitude being great enough to produce important ch- ical reactions in the atmospheres of planets and satellites, thereby a?ecting the transmission of this radiation to the ground. The Sun is the main natural source of UV radiation in the Solar System and our planet is the body where its in?uences can be best tested and the only one where its relation with life can be studied. However, the terrestrial atmosphere blocksmostofthephotonsinthiselectromagneticrangeandastronomershavehad to develop various techniques (balloons, planes and rockets) to cross this barrier and access the information. These tools have been used in parallel to investigate the physical properties of the terrestrial atmosphere and the interaction of its constituents with light. This book will addresses most of these topics.

Available with WebAssign! Designed for the nonscience major, In Quest of the Universe, Sixth Edition, is a comprehensive, student-friendly introduction to astronomy. This accessible text guides readers through the development of historical and current astronomical theories to provide a clear account of how science works. Koupelis' distinct explanations acquaint students with their own solar system before moving on to the stars and distant galaxies. With numerous interactive learning tools, the Starry Night planetary software package, and stunning visuals and up-to-date content, In Quest of the Universe, Sixth Edition is an exciting overview of this ever-changing discipline.

Available with WebAssign! Author Theo Koupelis has set the mark for a student-friendly, accessible introductory astronomy text with In Quest of the Universe. He has now developed a new text to accommodate those course that focus mainly on planets and the solar system. Ideal for the one-term course, In Quest of the Solar System opens with material essential to the introductory course (gravity, light, telescopes, the sun) and then moves on to focus on key material related to our solar system. Incorporating the rich pedagogy and vibrant art program that have made his earlier books a success, Koupelis' In Quest of the Solar System is the clear choice for students making their way through their first astronomy course.

Available with WebAssign! Author Theo Koupelis has set the mark for a student-friendly, accessible introductory astronomy text with In Quest of the Universe. He has now developed a new text to accommodate those course that focus mainly on stars and galaxies. Ideal for the one-term course, In Quest of the Stars and Galaxies opens with material essential to the introductory course (gravity, light, telescopes, the sun) and then moves on to focus on key material related to stars and galaxies. Incorporating the rich pedagogy and vibrant art program that have made his earlier books a success, Koupelis' In Quest of the Stars and Galaxies is the clear choice for students' first exploration of the cosmos.

Cosmic Genetic Evolution, Volume 106 in the Advances in Genetics series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Panspermia, Cometary Panspermia and Origin of Life, The Efficient Lamarckian Spread of Life in the Cosmos, The Sociology of Science and Generality of the DNA/RNA/Protein Paradigm Throughout the Cosmos, The Mutagenic Source and Power of Our Own Evolution, Origin of New Emergent Coronavirus and Candida Fungal Diseases – Terrestrial or Cosmic?, and Future Prospects for Investigation -The Near-Earth Neighborhood and Beyond. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Advances in Genetics series Updated release includes the latest information on the Cosmic Genetic Evolution

These are exciting times for exobiology. The ubiquity of organic molecules in interstellar clouds, comets and asteroids strongly supports a cosmic perspective on the origin of life. Data from both ground-based telescopes and the recently launched Infrared Space Observatory are providing new insight into the complexity of carbon-based chemistry beyond the Earth. Meteorites give us solid evidence for extraterrestrial amino acids, and putative fossil evidence for life in a 3.6 billion-year-old Martian meteorite hints that life in our system might not be the sole prerogative of the Earth. Giant planets have now been discovered orbiting other stars, and although such planets seem unlikely to be habitable themselves, their existence strongly suggests what many astronomers have long believed - that planetary systems are commonplace. All these topics are reviewed in this volume by active researchers. The level is appropriate for graduate students in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and related disciplines. It will also provide a valuable source of reference for active researchers in these fields.

Astronomers have recently discovered thousands of exotic planets that orbit stars throughout our Milky Way galaxy. With his characteristic wit and style, Donald Goldsmith shows how these observations have already broadened our planetary horizons, and tells us what may come next, including the ultimate discovery: life beyond our home planet.

Based on the author’s own work and results obtained by international teams he coordinated, this SpringerBrief offers a concise discussion of the origin and early evolution of atmospheres of terrestrial planets during the active phase of their host stars, as well as of the environmental conditions which are necessary in order for planets like the Earth to obtain N_2-rich atmospheres. Possible thermal and non-thermal atmospheric escape processes are discussed in a comparative way between the planets in the Solar System and exoplanets. Lastly, a hypothesis for how to test and study the discussed atmosphere evolution theories using future UV transit observations of terrestrial exoplanets within the orbits of dwarf stars is presented.

In this new book, a distinguished panel makes recommendations for the nation's programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including a number of new initiatives for observing the universe. With the goal of optimum value, the recommendations address the role of federal research agencies, allocation of funding, training for scientists, competition and collaboration among space facilities, and much more. The book identifies the most pressing science questions and explains how specific efforts, from the Next Generation Space Telescope to theoretical studies, will help reveal the answers. Discussions of how emerging information technologies can help scientists make sense of the wealth of data available are also included. Astronomy has significant impact on science in general as well as on public imagination. The committee discusses how to integrate astronomical discoveries into our education system and our national life. In preparing the New Millennium report, the AASC made use of a series of panel reports that address various aspects of ground- and space-based astronomy and astrophysics. These reports provide in-depth technical detail. Astronomy and Astrophysics in the New Millenium: An Overview summarizes the science goals and recommended initiatives in a short, richly illustrated, non-technical booklet.

A text for a nonmajor introductory course, serving as an introduction to astronomy and to science in general. Treatment moves from the solar system to stars to galaxies, with a final chapter on cosmology. Includes margin notes and definitions, review quizes, discussion questions, calculation exercises, activities, and questions keyed to the publisher's Web site. Optional mathematical exercises are interspersed through the text, with worked examples and answers. Boxed readings discuss topics of interest such as the search for extraterrestrial life, and present personal accounts of astronomers. This second edition includes color photos from the Hubble Space Telescope and incorporates the latest research in the field. There is expanded discussion of the Hubble device, findings from recent missions, and interstellar matter and star formation. This edition has a larger page size, allowing for enlarged color photos and illustrations, and color cues located at the first reference in the text to each figure. Figures are placed on the same page as accompanying material. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

In this book forty eminent scientists examine the astrobiological origins of life and the emergence of biodiversity in extreme environments. The coverage includes extremophiles: microbes living in hostile conditions of high temperature, psychrophilic, UV radiation, and halophilic environments. Also discussed are the origin and history of Martian water, and the possible biogeochemistry inside Titan.

Some of the more striking results obtained or anticipated on the ground or in space at radio, infrared and visible wavelengths and in X-, gamma-ray and cosmic-rays are covered. The roles of the European Southern Observatory (ESO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are stressed, but national initiatives are also touched upon. Input into the research system in the form of financing and personnel and output as publications are evaluated. The time frame covered extends from around 1980 till about 2020. While this book centers on European developments, comparisons with what others are doing are included. After the war Europe in science had fallen far behind the US. Thanks to European cooperation equality has again been reached. Through ESO's Very Large Telescope and ESA's missions, like the Infrared Space Observatory, X- and gamma- ray satellites, Mars Express and others, Europe is fully and independently present at the forefront. The need to integrate the scientists and engineers from the new EU countries into the overall organization of European science is noted, an integration which ultimately could extend even further eastward. This book addresses a wide audience: astronomers and space scientists, students, politicians involved in science funding, amateur astronomers and the educated public with an interest in the science and technology achievable by European cooperation.