Are We Alone?: Scientists Search for Life in Space

In the jungle of Puerto Rico, next to a giant aluminum telescope bowl, we meet astronomers Peter Backus and Jill Tarter of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) program. This research program is determined to find evidence of extraterrestrial life by searching for its radio signals. They hope to catch radio waves created by some kind of life far out in space. These scientists love their work: "Arriving in the control room, Jill puts on a tape of her favorite samba music by a group called Viva Brazil. Others in the room stay seated and propel themselves on their wheeled office chairs from workstation to workstation, but Jill usually gets up and sambas across the floor."In this rare combination of engaging narrative and factual information, Gloria Skurzynski uses techniques she's developed as a fiction writer to energize her science writing. This book not only brings the reader into the world of extra-terrestrial science, but is also very much about the hopes and dreams of real people. She lends a strong personal voice to the narrative, drawing the reader deep into the world of extraterrestrial study.Humans have always been fascinated with extraterrestrial life, and the book traces that interest, including the origination of the term "flying saucer." Sloan also explains why scientists don't buy it. "There's been no hard evidence, not a single artifact left behind-a lost boot, or a shred of whatever material the UFO was made of, or even a flake of alien skin."But not believing in flying saucers doesn't mean scientists don't believe in extraterrestrial life. They look for it using telescopes, space missions, and planet explorations. They study extremophiles, organisms thatlive in extreme environments on Earth, in the hopes that they will lead us to a better understanding of how life may exist in space. Really, what could be out there? This book visits scientists across the globe who are trying to find out, from Puerto Rico to California, from Socorro, New Mexico to Chile, Finland, Spain, and Hawaii. And, what's on tap for the future of extraterrestrial study? Researchers study hydrothermal vents deep under the sea, create super-sensitive radio telescopes, and scour the highest lake in the world. Extremely well written, filled with little-known facts, and often quite humorous, this book brings to life a subject that children are intrigued by. Our time is truly a fascinating moment in scientific exploration, and this book will help anyone get a jump on the search for E.T. Who knows? Maybe there's an alien as close as next-doora next-door planet, that is!

Mindy Hardwick - Children's Literature

Is anybody out there? How is life on other planets different from ours? This well researched, nonfiction text attempts to answer these questions for middle and high school readers. Topics covered in the text include flying saucers, extraterrestrial civilizations, and the high tech telescopes that must be in place for scientists to explore life on other planets. The second part of the book explores topics such as; what creates life on other planets, along with how that life influences our planet. Although the science words are often unfamiliar, readers will find the definitions included with the text and some of the more difficult words located in the glossary. The book is perfect for middle and high school science classrooms and libraries. Students will enjoy the in depth look at other planets and the possibilities of life beyond ours. 2004, National Geographic Society, Ages 13 to 18.