Our Cosmic Origins: From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Life and Intelligence

ISBN-13: 9780521794800 / Angielski / Miękka / 2001 / 344 str.

Armand H. Delsemme; A. H. Delsemme; Christian R. De Duve

Opis

Our Cosmic Origins tells the story of our remarkable adventure on this planet, beginning with a single event in the depths of space. It traces the rich and wonderful history of the Universe, from the Big Bang to the creation of atoms and molecules, from the formation of stars and planets to the emergence of life on Earth. Delsemme brings together cosmology, astronomy, geology, biochemistry, and biology to create a unique look at the complex story of the Universe. He chronicles how the first light atoms were made and formed stars and how heavier atoms were cooked in stars and scattered in space, creating dust mrains and organic molecules. He examines the growing eomplexity of plant and animal life, including the emergence and extinction of dinosaurs. Our Cosmic Origins shows how the coupling of eye and brain led to self-awareness and intelligence. It explores the cosmic coincidences that might explain our existence and concludes with the tantalizing suggestion that intelligent alien life is likely. This provocative book will appeal to anyone who has ever looked at the sky and wondered how we got here. Originally published in French, this edition has been revised to include the most recent research in astronomy and cosmology. Armand Delsemme has published four books and over 230 scientific papers. He received a Sigma Xi award for outstanding research and has had, by order of the International Astronomical Union, an asteroid named after him.

Recenzje

'… an excellent overview from the big bang origin of the universe to the development of life … will promote critical thinking on the many aspects of astrobiology bearing on the understanding of the cosmic significance and origins of life … recommended reading.' Richard Taylor, Spaceflight

Spis treści

Preface Christian de Duve; Foreword; 1. Locating man in the universe; 2. The race towards complexity; 3. The stellar alchemy of metals; 4. The formation of the planets; 5. Emergence of life; 6. History of life; 7. Awakening of intelligence; 8. The other worlds; 9. Perspectives; Appendices; Glossary; References; Name index; Subject index.