Life in the Universe

Life in the Universe, 5th Edition, introduces undergraduate students and nonscience majors to the field of astrobiology and the search for life in the cosmos. Written by Jeffrey Bennett, Seth Shostak, Nicholas Schneider, and Meredith MacGregor, the textbook provides an accessible entry point for students taking introductory astronomy or general science courses.

The core coverage synthesizes the origin and evolution of life on Earth with the broader conditions that govern planetary habitability. Discussions progress through current Mars exploration missions, potential environments on Jovian moons, the discovery of distant exoplanets, and the scientific methods behind the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. Additional sections address the physical challenges and constraints associated with interstellar travel.

To encourage active reflection, the text incorporates Think About It questions that prompt readers to evaluate open scientific questions. Published by Princeton University Press, this volume provides nonscience majors with a grounded foundation in contemporary space science.