Table of Contents

Origin of the Elements. The Chemistry of Space. Habitable Earth. Building the Solar System. Early Earth. Properties of Life. Terrestrial Biochemistry. Origin of Life. Early Life. Mars. Icy Worlds. Detecting Exoplanets. Exoplanetary Systems. Prospecting for Life.

About the Author

Alan Longstaff originally trained as a biochemist and, after a senior lectureship in the Biosciences Department at the University of Hertfordshire, he became a university student once again to study astronomy and planetary science. He now divides his time between teaching and writing. Since 2003, he has worked part-time as an astronomy tutor and planetarium presenter for The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, and held part-time teaching posts at Queen Mary University of London, Waldegrave Science School for Girls, and the Open University. He has lectured to astronomical and geological societies, co/authored several textbooks, and is a regular contributor to Astronomy Now.