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"Wickramasinghe, Chandra, 1939-"
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Journey With Fred Hoyle, A (2nd Edition)
This is the story of the author's unique scientific journey with one of the most remarkable men of 20th century science. The journey begins in Sri Lanka, the author's native country, with his childhood acquaintance with Fred Hoyle's writings. The action then moves to Cambridge, where the famous Hoyle-Wickramasinghe collaborations begin. A research programme which was started in 1962 on the carbonaceous nature of interstellar dust leads, over the next two decades, to developments that are continued in both Cambridge and Cardiff. These developments prompt Hoyle and the author to postulate the organic theory of cosmic dust (which is now generally accepted), and then to challenge one of the most cherished paradigms of contemporary science - the theory that life originated on Earth in a warm primordial soup.
This new edition examines the many scientific developments that have transpired since the first edition was published. The discovery of bacteria in the upper reaches of the atmosphere, biological signatures in meteorites, spectroscopy of high-z galaxies and more all mesh with many of the ideas that had their origin in the first edition. Pushing into the future, the updated text examines the many experiments and probes currently operating or planned that will shed more light on the theory of planetary panspermia. A Journey with Fred Hoyle is an intriguing book that delineates the progress of a collaboration spanning 40 years, through a sequence of personal reflections, anecdotes and reminiscences.
eBook
Comets and the origin of life
The idea that comets may be connected with the origin of life on Earth was considered heresy a few decades ago, with scientists shying away from this possibility as if from a medieval superstition. However the case that comets may have contributed at least the complex organic building blocks of life has become very strong, and mechanisms have now been identified whereby comets may incubate and transfer microbial life from one cosmic habitat to another in the Galaxy. The latter process cometary panspermia was pioneered by the late Sir Fred Hoyle and one of the present authors in the early 1980's. A theory that was once controversial is slowly gaining scientific respectability and support.
eBook
A journey with Fred Hoyle
Gives a unique insight into the minds of two men who challenged one of the most cherished paradigms of modern science- Highlights the personal and social contexts of a major scientific controversy as it developed and was finally resolved- Shows how an idea that was heresy eventually became accepted by the scientific community.
eBook
A journey with Fred Hoyle: the search for cosmic life
This is the story of the author's unique scientific journey with one of the most remarkable men of 20th century science. The journey begins in Sri Lanka, the author's native country, with his childhood acquaintance with Fred Hoyle's writings. The action then moves to Cambridge, where the famous Hoyle-Wickramasinghe collaborations begin. A research programme which was started in 1962 on the carbonaceous nature of interstellar dust leads, over the next two decades, to developments that are continued in both Cambridge and Cardiff. These developments prompt Hoyle and the author to postulate the organic theory of cosmic dust (which is now generally accepted), and then to challenge one of the most cherished paradigms of contemporary science - the theory that life originated on Earth in a warm primordial soup.This new edition examines the many scientific developments that have transpired since the first edition was published. The discovery of bacteria in the upper reaches of the atmosphere, biological signatures in meteorites, spectroscopy of high-z galaxies and more all mesh with many of the ideas that had their origin in the first edition. Pushing into the future, the updated text examines the many experiments and probes currently operating or planned that will shed more light on the theory of planetary panspermia. A Journey with Fred Hoyle is an intriguing book that delineates the progress of a collaboration spanning 40 years, through a sequence of personal reflections, anecdotes and reminiscences.Sample Chapter(s)Foreword (58 KB)Chapter 1: Origins: Prelude to the Journey (91 KB)Contents:Origins: Prelude to the JourneyCambridge and a First MeetingA Hike in the Lake DistrictBetwixt the StarsThe Route to Carbon DustA Theory Takes ShapeThe Institute of Astronomy: The Vintage YearsWinds of ChangeThe Cardiff EraThe Search for Cosmic LifeLife from Comets and Pathogens from SpaceFirst Signs of LifeBacterial Dust Predictions VerifiedLife on the PlanetsEvolution from SpaceTheories of TrialA Fossil ControversyComet Halley and Its LegacyAlternative CosmologiesThe Last DecadeEpilogueReadership: General readers and students of the history of science.
eBook