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Life in Our Universe

By: Laird Close, The Great Courses
Narrated by: The Great Courses
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Summary

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
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What listeners say about Life in Our Universe

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The understanding of the miracle that we are here at all

That it had to end as it is so entertaining and enlightening and amusing at times.
Worth listening to more than once.

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Very informative

Nice listen, good pacing and not too technical so it’s quite comprehensible for a simpleton like me.

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Very good audio book

I enjoyed the way the lectures are delivered in byte size chunks

Very informative

I will listen again.

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Great Narrative, but missing visual aids.

The narrator is clearly an accomplished scientist/astronomer, and the delivery is excellent. However, this course was clearly developed for a video audience. Visuals are frequently discussed, but these are not included in the accompanying PDF. There are also some nuggets of information which I noticed were slightly outdated. At a guess, I'd say the recording was made ~2012, and to the best of my knowledge, some new information is now available. I suggest that the entire course is reviewed & edited to bring it up to date; and key visuals added to the accompanying PDF.

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What about the ejected planets?

During the formation of planets around a star it is possible that one or more may be ejected. There may be millions of these at various stages of evolution. I would have liked the possibility of life on these bodies to have been considered.

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1 person found this helpful

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This is a good one. Credit worthiness

This is interesting. Every lecture is decent. Some of these lecture series from the Great courses get dull very quick but this is up to date and interesting. Also you can imagine the narrator is Kermit the frog quite easily, which for me is a plus.

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Brilliant

Interesting lectures pitched at a level to interest every listener

Every lecture subject comprehensively covered

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Excellent

Great content. Very well presented. Highly recommend. I will check out others in the series for sure.

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