Books

By: James N. Gardner, Mark Burnett, Foreword by Seth Shostak

Is intelligent life merely a bit player in the enormous pageant of the cosmos? Or is it destined to become something vastly more important: the architect of the universe and of other universes to come?

James Gardner carefully reviews all the best ideas on how to understand the cosmos’s apparent biological imperative and then puts forth a new, and strikingly dramatic, suggestion of his own, one that makes use of the exciting field of complexity science: the “Selfish Biocosm” hypothesis.

By: Seth Shostak and Alex Barnett

In their newly-released book, authors Seth Shostak and Alex Barnett ponder the possibility of alien life, and the consequences of receiving a signal from the cosmos. They explain why scientists think sentient life might exist on other worlds, how we could discover it, and what it might be like. Entertaining and informative, this hard cover book is lavishly illustrated.

By: Seth Shostak and Jeffrey Bennett, Bruce Jakosky

Courses on the exciting subject of astrobiology are sprouting up on college campuses like forest mushrooms. This new textbook, co-authored by SETI Institute astronomer Seth Shostak, provides a comprehensive treatment of the subject, including the fundamentals of biology, the search for life in the solar system, and SETI. Although intended for classroom use, this imposing, richly illustrated tome is a great read and a handy reference for all those interested in the possible existence of, and search for, life beyond Earth.

By: Jill Tarter and Ellen Jackson, Photographs by Nic Bishop

In Looking for Life in the Universe, Author Ellen Jackson and photographer Nic Bishop introduce readers to Dr. Jill Tarter, Chair Emeritus for SETI Research at the SETI Institute, and her thrilling, rigorous, and awe-inspiring work in the field.

By: Cynthia Phillips, Shana Priwer

The universe is yours to grasp!" promises the back cover of this clear and comprehensive guide to astronomy for a general audience. Written by SETI Institute scientist, Cynthia Phillips and co-author Shana Priwer, the book is packed with useful diagrams, photos, tips for backyard stargazers, and fascinating history. The Everything Astronomy Book is a perfect introduction to the night sky for a beginner as well as a handy reference for the book-shelf of anyone captivated by the cosmos.

By: Edited by Ron Ekers, Kent Cullers, John Billingham, and Louis Scheffer, Foreword by Philip Morrison

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence is on the brink of a renaissance. Four decades after the first modern experiment seeking signals from other civilizations, a slew of new technologies and fresh ideas are promising to rapidly expand the search.

By: Bernard M. Oliver

This is a reprint of the classic, 1971 summer study directed by Bernard Oliver and John Billingham. It provides technical detail on both the astronomical and signal processing sides of SETI. Reverently (and accurately) described as the "bible of SETI."

Out of Print

By: Seth Shostak and Foreword by Frank Drake

Where are the extraterrestrials likely to be hanging out? What will they look like and be like? What is their interest in us, and how can we find them? The SETI Institute's own Seth Shostak tells all in this witty and informative new book. Publishers Weekly says: "The book is rich in considered, engaging science... Sections on possible alien behavior, on motives for contact and means of contact... are compelling as they reveal as much about us as about anyone who may pop across for a visit."

By: John Billingham, Roger Heyns, et al.

What happens if SETI succeeds? Several dozen experts from the fields of sociology, technology, and education consider the social consequences of finding a signal. Based on workshops held in 1991 and 1992, this is the definitive opus on the likely impact of an extraterrestrial signal. Don't believe all you see on TV, nor what you read in the chat groups: here is reasoned prognostication on what could be the biggest event in human history.

By: Bernard M. Oliver

Watch your grammar! There are few skills more important than being able to write and speak with clarity and precision. SETI pioneer Barney Oliver was a stickler for using the right word in the right way, and proved it by writing a witty and useful book that is a first-rate splint for fractured English.