Exploring scientific principles as well as science fiction, The Science of Aliens takes readers on a fascinating journey through time and space. In Alien Stories Jack Challoner examines alien stereotypes throughout history, exposing their historical and mythical antecedents. He explains, in Aliens on Earth, how scientists are exploring the possibilities for alien life, searching for clues in the extreme environments of our own planet, the moons and the planets of our solar system, and the newly discovered planets orbiting distant stars. Alien Imagination presents visualisations of alien life based on sound scientific principles from the major TV series Alien Worlds. Finally, Alien Communication looks at the exciting prospects for contacting and being contacted by E.T.

Are we alone? The idea of life existing elsewhere in the Universe has been put forward by philosophers since the time of Ancient Egypt. Today, through science fiction literature, films and television we have all had close encounters with aliens. Now The Science of Aliens examines the possibilities of alien life in outer space as well as presenting a close-up look at 'aliens' on earth. Based on an international interactive exhibition, The Science of Aliens is a thrilling combination of imagination and ground-breaking science in the quest for extraterrestrial life.This book features the science and the imagination that appears both in the Science Museum exhibition The Science of Aliens and in the major Channel 4 series Alien Worlds created by Big Wave Productions Ltd.The exhibition tours internationally and the series is shown by Channel 4 International in the UK,National Geographic Channel in the US and Kabel 1 in Germany.

Foreword

by Professor Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal

Introduction: Are We Alone?

Alien Stories

Aliens on Earth

Alien Imagination

Alien Communication

Further Reading

Acknowledgements and Picture Credits

Index