WHERE ARE THE ALIENS?

If we aren’t alone in the universe, then where is everybody?

McAnulty gives a shoutout to Fermi’s classic question, going on to examine the science and math that suggest—or refute—the possibility of life beyond Earth. With a brief roundup of facts as examples (the Earth is round, vaccines save lives), she is careful to demonstrate what is scientific consensus vs. speculation. The result is a compact but comprehensive overview of the history and current status of extraterrestrial exploration, whether via telescope, space probe, calculation, or imagination. McAnulty acknowledges the viewpoints of those (including astronomer Stephen Webb) who might be regarded as “Only Earth-ers” as well as those, whom she calls “Life Beyond Earth-ers,” who believe that life could be found elsewhere in the universe. She points out that a definitive answer is not currently available to us. The overviews of the history of astronomy (including the work of Copernicus, Galileo, and John Herschel) and space science and flight, focusing particularly on the later 19th century to the present, are clear and fascinating. Looks at Roswell, Area 51, and other unexplained encounters are included, contextualized with factual explanations and offered with a big grain of salt. The list of resources is very good, as are the meticulous source notes that offer ways for readers to further pursue the discussion. McAnulty’s informal, conversational style keeps the delivery of information entertaining and nicely paced.

Terrific science for skeptics and hopeful sky watchers.