Our Cosmic Origins: From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Life and Intelligence / Edition 1

by Armand H. Delsemme, Christian de Duve

Overview

Our Cosmic Origins tells the story of our remarkable adventure on this planet, beginning with a single event in the depths of space. It traces the rich and wonderful history of the Universe, from the Big Bang to the creation of atoms and molecules, from the formation of stars and planets to the emergence of life on Earth. Delsemme brings together cosmology, astronomy, geology, biochemistry, and biology to create a unique look at the complex story of the Universe. He chronicles how the first light atoms were made and formed stars and how heavier atoms were cooked in stars and scattered in space, creating dust mrains and organic molecules. He examines the growing eomplexity of plant and animal life, including the emergence and extinction of dinosaurs. Our Cosmic Origins shows how the coupling of eye and brain led to self-awareness and intelligence. It explores the cosmic coincidences that might explain our existence and concludes with the tantalizing suggestion that intelligent alien life is likely. This provocative book will appeal to anyone who has ever looked at the sky and wondered how we got here. Originally published in French, this edition has been revised to include the most recent research in astronomy and cosmology. Armand Delsemme has published four books and over 230 scientific papers. He received a Sigma Xi award for outstanding research and has had, by order of the International Astronomical Union, an asteroid named after him.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521794800
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/25/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	344
Sales rank:	1,105,257
Product dimensions:	6.02(w) x 8.98(h) x 0.71(d)

Table of Contents

Preface Christian de Duve; Foreword; 1. Locating man in the universe; 2. The race towards complexity; 3. The stellar alchemy of metals; 4. The formation of the planets; 5. Emergence of life; 6. History of life; 7. Awakening of intelligence; 8. The other worlds; 9. Perspectives; Appendices; Glossary; References; Name index; Subject index.

Editorial Reviews

"I know of no other book that covers in such detail for a popular audience the grand sweep of cosmic evolution from the Big Bang to homo sapiens. Readers will find here an answer to the age-old question of our place in the universe as understood by modern science." Steven J. Dick, US Naval Observatory

"Our Cosmic Origins is an exception. Delsemme, an expert in comets, has put together an impressive overview of the story of life from the start of the universe onward...Everything is clearly explained." Meteoritics & Planetary Science Nov 2001

"A thrilling book, a masterpiece..." Audouin Dollfus, former president of the Socieété Astronomique de France

"Delsemme offers a concise chronicle of the universe according to the big bang model." Booklist

"Thos book is highly recommended and once you start reading, it grips you like a good detective novel." Astrenautical Soc. of WA vol 24-No.5 Feb 99

From the Publisher