Astrobiology is one of the hottest areas of current research, reflecting not only impressive advances in the understanding of the origin of life but also the discovery of over 100 extrasolar planets in recent years. This volume is based on a meeting held in 2002 at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which aimed to lay the astrophysical groundwork for locating habitable places in the Universe. Written by leading scientists in the field, it covers a range of topics relevant to the search for life in the Universe, including: cosmology and its implications for the emergence of life, the habitable zone in the Milky Way Galaxy, the formation of stars and planets, the study of interstellar and interplanetary matter, searches for extrasolar planets, the synthesis of organic material in space, and spectroscopic signatures that could be used to detect life. This is an invaluable resource for both professional researchers and graduate students.

Review of the hardback:’… this is a rewarding read, the articles being very well written and inspiring.’

Source: The Observatory

Review of the hardback:'This is an area moving fast, and no department of geology should be losing the opportunity of teaching this area …'

Source: Journal of Geological Magazine

Review of the hardback:'In such a fast developing field as planetary detection this volume rightly concentrates on the basics and will hence be of interest for a long time.'

Source: Spaceflight