Beginnings of Life

A timely and provocative account of one of the most thrilling topics in science todaythe search for life on Marsand how it may ultimately lead us to the origins of life in the universe. }Hidden beneath the sterile surface of Earthsneighboring planet may be the keys to unlocking the origins of life in the universe. An expert on extreme-life environments, Malcolm Walter demonstrates that similarities between ancient Earth and Mars may prove crucial in the quest for lifes origins. From the amazing discovery of microbial life in boiling hot springs on earthwhich many scientists believe to be the source of life on Earthto the vast oceans and rivers that once covered Mars, Walter argues that the best place to find evidence of life on Mars is out of reach of telescopes and space probesits in the rocks and subsurface water of the planet. In The Search for Life on Mars , Walter unveils his dramatic planalready adopted by NASAfor finding these elusive traces of life. Taking a hard look at the latest newsmakerslike the alleged fossil found in a Mars rockWalter puts the evidence in perspective and shows where our investigations have led thus far, and what the future may hold. }