Planets and Life

The Earth is the only planet in the Solar System where liquid water is present on the surface, a condition that seems necessary for the development of life. Its sisters Venus and Mars are extremely different. Why did these three planets, born under fairly comparable conditions, evolve to the conditions we observe today? Understanding the physical or chemical factors that are at the origin of such divergent evolutions is a first step in an approach to the problem of the origin of life on Earth.

This question takes on a new dimension with the discovery of thousands of planets around the stars of our Galaxy, some of which could resemble the Earth. Could they be home to life? With their discovery, the question "Are we alone in the Universe?" is no longer limited to our Solar System, and the field of possibilities opens up to infinity. It is now possible to approach the problem from a scientific perspective and not only from a philosophical one, as was the case in the past.

The enthusiasm of the public for the subject sometimes results in sensational and premature announcements. This book reminds us that there is still a long way to go before we can detect life outside the Earth.