Starstruck: Cosmic Visions in Science, Religion, and Folklore

Description

We live in an era of exploding scientific knowledge about the universe, and our place and future within it. Much of this new knowledge conflicts with earlier wisdom, and some has frightening implications. Cosmic evolution, space exploration, the search for extraterrestrial life, and concerns about humanity s future prompt us to seek new answers to old existential questions. Where did we come from? Why are we here? Are we alone? What will become of us? In our search for answers, we turn to science, religion, myth, and varying combinations thereof. Exploring an ambiguous region between recognized findings and unfettered imagination, Starstruck explores the multifaceted, far-reaching, and often contentious attempts of people with contrasting worldviews to develop convincing and satisfying interpretations of rapidly accumulating discoveries in physics, astronomy, and biology. Dedication Contents Preface 1. Thinking Big 2. Frontier Science 3. Eyes on the Universe 4. The Extraterrestrial Hypothesis 5. Of Gods and Spacemen 6. Visitor Experiences 7. Tricksters 8. Matters of Life and Death 9. Preposterous or Prudent? 10. Star Wars Epilogue References Index