Life in Our Universe

By: Laird Close, The Great Courses

Narrated by: The Great Courses

Are we alone in the universe? This is one of the most profound issues facing mankind - and one of the unresolved questions that science may finally be able to answer in this century.

These 24 mind-expanding lectures reveal the cutting-edge research leading scientists to believe that life is not exclusively the domain of Earth. Professor Close offers an unparalleled look at the subject of life and the mysteries that remain. You'll examine the remarkable coincidences that created our planet and sustained its habitability for 3.5 billion years. And you'll join the hunt for microbial life elsewhere in our solar system and Earth-like planets in alien solar systems.

With Professor Close's expert guidance, you'll delve into some of the biggest questions facing science today. What can the Earth and its current and past life tell us about life in our universe? Where else in our solar system can there be life? Are there habitable planets and life around other stars? Is there other intelligent life in our universe? Is there a new home for mankind? If so, how can we find it?

Suited for the scientifically inclined and curious alike, these lectures make even the most complex content highly accessible. And they’ll give you the essential context necessary to make sense of the news on emerging discoveries and their implications.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 The Great Courses (P)2013 The Teaching Company, LLC

Humanities future

All the people of this planet should read and become aware of the dangers our world would be in if climate change is not checked.

Great course

Pdf doesn't contain all video the teacher speaks about. Great content and intresting topic. Liked it

Be patient

The title is somewhat misleading
The science is good
There is a lot to learn in this series

Fascinating and very good communicator

I like the lecturer for this one. Very clear and easy to understand. Highly recommend.

Life: above and beyond

An interesting and informative tour of life on Earth and the chance of such in the wider Universe.
The course presenter is enthusiatic about his subject and provides clear analogies to aid the listener in visualising the swirl of speculation and sciene that this search involves. If I must highlight an issue, is that course dervives from a video presentation (hence referencing movie content etc) that detracts somewhat from the audio format. Apart from this, well worth the listen.