Publisher's Synopsis
Is there anybody out there? Are there other life-forms lurking in outer space - or they already here? The rate of expansion of our universe is mind-blowing: imagine a pea growing to the size of the Milky Way in less time than it takes to blink. In all this infinite space that we cannot even see, let alone explore, it seems certain that there is some life on other worlds. In 'Why Aren't They Here?: The Question of Life on Other Worlds' Surendra Verma brilliantly outlines the historical, fictional, speculative and emerging scientific opinions on what alien life might be like. From Aristotle to ET via radio and religion, this fast-moving narrative examines the history of our search for alien life, and dispels the myriad myths on the subject, before focusing on the real possibilities lurking in space. In a popular and easy-to-read style, Verma uses current research to speculate what life is like on other planets, how we might communicate with it, and what Earth might seem like to visitors. This 60,000-word Kindle book is an updated version of hardback and paperback editions published in 2007 and 2008 respectively. FROM EDITORIAL REVIEWS 'A calm, intelligent and witty survey of the history of mankind's search for extraterrestrial life' Daily Mail 'A masterpiece of science writing and journalism - in-your-face, direct and beautifully written ... a gem of wisdom, scholarship and fun.' - BBC Focus 'A calm, intelligent and witty survey of the history of mankind's search for extraterrestrial life ... next time you gaze at the night sky, it'll feel a bit different.' - Daily Mail, UK THE AUTHOR Surendra Verma is a journalist and author based in Melbourne, Australia. He has published numerous popular science books internationally, which have been translated into twelve languages.