In search of a living planet

Abstract

At present, the only planet known to harbour life is our own Earth. No definite signs that would prove life in other celestial bodies have been found from our solar system or from other planets orbiting distant stars. We discuss in this chapter the different means for searching signs of life in these external worlds, and also how life would survive in the extreme conditions encountered in the unfamiliar environments. Discovery of life beyond our Earth would address many fundamental questions and at the same time open new tantalizing puzzles. © 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.