The Alien Perspective: A New View of Humanity and the Cosmos

by David Whitehouse Narrated by Kris Dyer

Overview

A journey through the evolving cosmos, considering how human survival will depend on otherworldly perspectives.

In David Whitehouse's most ambitious book to date he explores how human evolution has been intertwined with the workings of the cosmos from the very beginning, and what the far-distant future may hold, both for the universe and for ourselves.

Given enough time, Whitehouse contends, we must communicate with intelligent aliens whose divergent perspective will transform our understanding of the universe. First contact may even come sooner than we think. We have already transmitted signals towards promising exoplanets. If, say, Gliese 581d harbours life, the return signal could reach us in 2051.

Drawing the thread of human consciousness from the cave to the cosmos, the acclaimed author of Apollo 11: The Inside Story charts our future journey to the end of space and time, and considers whether something of humanity could remain at the end of it all.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

'Expert speculation on the next 50 years of space travel. Former BBC science correspondent Whitehouse... delivers a skillful history of space exploration, paying special attention to the moon and emphasizing problems solved during Apollo and those that still require solutions in order to establish a permanent base. By 2069, he predicts that an international moon base will be up and running.'Kirkus (Starred Review) on Space 2069

'Science journalist Whitehouse forecasts what awaits the American space program over the next 50 years in this vivid outing... Whitehouse takes care to show that the American space program still faces plenty of issues, from the psychological stresses of space travel, to the competition presented by China’s program... Space fans will find plenty to spark their imaginations.' Library Journal on Space 2069

'It is rare to read something that so closely mixes science fiction with reality, but Space 2069 does just that ... [It's] an intelligent portrait of where we may be in the next half-century. - BBC Sky at Night on Space 2069

'One of the best books ever written about the lunar landing ... absolutely brilliant.' -- Engineering and Technology Magazine on Apollo 11

'Terrific and enthralling.' — New Scientist on Apollo 11

Library Journal

10/21/2022

Whitehouse (Apollo 11: The Inside Story; Space 2069) uses his background as a former BBC correspondent and science editor to attempt to answer the eternal question: Is there life on other planets? The book looks at this question through the lens of many kinds of intelligent life (not just humankind), the history of Earth as it relates to other planets, and what's already known about the universe. Whitehouse examines what it would take for life to crop up on another planet, such as water and oxygen, and whether extraterrestrials would need those elemental building blocks. He argues that humans must communicate with beings on other planets to better understand the universe and says that first contact may come sooner than anyone thinks, and the return signal may reach Earth as early as the year 2051. Whitehouse's book will leave readers with the distinct impression that life on other planets does not have to look the same as it does on Earth. VERDICT This is an excellent book for readers wanting to understand life here and elsewhere.—Gabby Burnette

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176823417
Publisher:	Clipper Audiobooks
Publication date:	09/29/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos