Search for Life on Mars: The Greatest Scientific Detective Story of All Time

The Search for Life on Mars is a comprehensive account of the greatest scientific detective story ever, recounting the age-old quest to find signs of ancient life on the Red Planet. The book focuses on the latest experiments and revelations from missions such as Curiosity, Mars Insight, and Perseverance, as well as on the upcoming ExoMars mission. It includes insights and stories from experts at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and looks forward to the day when humans will land on Mars and look for life directly.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

From the captivating tales of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds to the gripping portrayal of life on Mars in Andy Weir's The Martian, and the awe-inspiring images captured by the robotic rovers Curiosity and Opportunity, Mars has long captivated our imaginations as the most probable other habitat for life in our solar system. However, the Red Planet is now receiving unprecedented attention as new missions, scheduled to launch from the United States and China this year, and with the European Space Agency's ExoMars mission set for 2022, this book takes readers on a comprehensive journey through the greatest scientific detective story ever told.

For the first time in forty years, the missions bound for Mars will embark on a quest to uncover evidence of ancient life on its neighboring world. This latest chapter in an enduring quest spans myth, false starts, red herrings, and remarkable coincidences, alongside triumphs and heartbreaking failures. Written by two seasoned journalists with extensive experience covering space exploration, The Search for Life on Mars offers a definitive account of the challenges and obstacles encountered in our search for life beyond Earth.

The book draws upon over a hundred interviews with experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and other esteemed institutions, who generously share their insights and captivating stories. While it pays homage to the early Mars missions, such as Viking 1 and 2, the book's primary focus lies in the groundbreaking experiments and revelations from the most recent missions, including Curiosity, which continues to explore potentially habitable sites where water once existed, and the Mars Insight lander, which has recorded over 450 million years of Martian history.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, The Search for Life on Mars provides a comprehensive exploration of the ongoing efforts to unravel the mysteries of Mars. It sheds light on the challenges faced by scientists in their pursuit of life, from the harsh conditions on the Martian surface to the intricate processes involved in detecting biological signals. The book also delves into the historical context of Mars exploration, tracing the evolution of our understanding of the planet from ancient times to the present day.

As we embark on a new era of Mars exploration, driven by technological advancements and international collaboration, The Search for Life on Mars serves as a timely reminder of the incredible journey humanity has undertaken. It inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and explore the vastness of the universe, in search of the answers that have eluded us for centuries. Whether we find evidence of life on Mars or not, this book will remain a testament to our unwavering curiosity and determination to unravel the secrets of the cosmos.

Weight: 642g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950691395