The Secret Life of the Universe

‘In this cutting-edge, wide-ranging survey of a truly extraordinary subject, the celebrated scientist Nathalie Cabrol takes us on an odyssey full of astonishing possibility, crossing vast distances and many scales to tell the story of our search for extraterrestrial life. The Secret Life of the Universe weaves together the history of space exploration, planetary science, the changing technological and intellectual frameworks of SETI, and deliberations on the very nature and meaning of life. It’s a mind-altering and exhilarating read for anyone who has ever wondered: are we alone?’ – Helen Macdonald, author of H is for Hawk
‘Of all the popular books on the search for life that are now being published, this one is quite special. Written by an outstanding astrobiologist, Dr. Natalie Cabrol, The Secret Life of the Universe takes you step by step through each of the top candidates in the solar system and beyond into the Milky Way where life could exist, and how we are looking for it. Natalie tackles advanced concepts and explains them with ease. I highly recommend this book!’ – James L. Green, former NASA chief scientist
‘Intimate and cosmic, it is the passionate traveller’s tale of a distinguished scientist approaching the most fascinating questions of all’ – Ann Druyan, writer, producer, and director of Cosmos
‘It’s a dizzying read … In this mind-expanding book she takes us to the frontiers of the search for life … I learned so much’ – Caroline Sanderson * The Bookseller *
‘Some people are in the enviable position of loving their work. Cabrol is one of them, and it shows in this wonderfully sweeping book … This is a book for anyone with an interest in scientific discovery and a perfect choice for any budding astronomer or astrobiologist. Combining enthusiasm and knowledge, Cabrol gives a lovely guided tour of the possibilities of the cosmos’ * Kirkus *
‘Read Cabrol if you want a vivid, fiercely intelligent tour of what may turn out to be our teeming, life-filled solar system’ * Daily Telegraph *
‘An expertly guided tour of humankind’s search for life beyond Earth … The Secret Life of the Universe is an enthralling read, introducing an exciting and quickly accelerating field. It’s sure to captivate readers from start to finish’ * BBC Sky at Night ***** *
‘Nathalie Cabrol is an ideal guide … her book becomes truly dizzying in the prospects it opens up’ * Daily Mail *
‘Cabrol writes that we’re in the midst of a “golden age of astrobiology” and her book is an awe-inspiring and lucid primer … She also offers a fascinating preview of future space missions that may help answer that question even further’ * Associated Press *
‘For the more scientifically minded, there are authoritative voices like that of Nathalie Cabrol … Her book is full of such wonders. Cabrol clearly communicates big ideas and condenses decades of exploration and research into fast-paced chapters’ * New Scientist *

Nathalie A. Cabrol is a French–American explorer and astrobiologist. She is the Director of the Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute.

Cabrol researches habitability and life beyond Earth, develops science exploration strategies for NASA for Mars and Titan, designs robotic field tests, and leads projects in planetary science and astrobiology. She documents life’s adaptation to extreme environments and the effects of rapid climate change.

She has written over six hundred peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings and has published four books on planetary science. Cabrol also holds the women’s world record for free and scuba diving at altitude.

Born in France, she lives in California.

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