E.T. Talk / Astronomers' Universe (PDF)

Although we have done extensive studies of the Solar System and thus far found over 300 extrasolar planets - planets outside our Solar System - we have not yet found life, even primitive life, on any planet other than Earth.

Might there be life on some of these newly discovered extrasolar planets? Not likely, as most are gas giants or are too close or too far from their sun. However, of late we are finding more and more Earthlike planets. It is now estimated that about 15 percent of the planets in the galaxy are Earthlike, and many of these will likely orbit their suns at the right distance to support life as we know it.

No one knows yet if radio searches or other means of detection will reveal that we are not alone in the universe. But if we do discover intelligent life elsewhere, how will we communicate with it? Are there some "universal" methods of communication we can use? Is music or mathematics a universal language? Are there alien intelligences right here on Earth we can use to help us figure out ways of communicating? The answers may surprise you.

All of these issues and more are covered in this exciting, readable, and authoritative book on a subject that is not mere idle speculation anymore. We are certainly getting closer to finding out who, if anybody, is out there. This book will not only inform you about the search and the likelihood of finding life, it will also actually teach you how to talk to aliens!