Life on earth-- and beyond : an astrobiologist's quest

Is there life beyond Earth?

NASA astrobiologist Dr. Chris McKay has searched the earth's most extreme environments on his quest to understand what factors are necessary to sustain life.

Pamela S. Turner offers readers an inside look at Dr. McKay's research, explaining his findings and his hopes for future exploration both on Earth and beyond. Behind-the-scenes photos capture Dr. McKay, his expeditions, and the amazing microbes that survive against all odds.

Introduction: Are we alone? -- Between a rock and a cold place: Dry valleys, Antarctica -- Evolution of a scientist: Mars underground -- Is life liquid?: Atacama Desert, Chile -- Rip Van Microbe: Siberia, Northern Russia -- Mother of all deserts: Sahara, Northern Africa -- Life under ice: Lake Hoare, Antarctica -- Conclusion: Rose for the red planet -- Researching life on Earth--and beyond -- Resources -- Acknowledgments -- Photo credits -- Index.