Life may unfold in various forms throughout the universe, constrained by universal physical laws and consistent principles of organic evolution, but propelled to great variety in detail by local conditions and the specifics of planetary history. Within our Solar System, there is an enormous diversit[...]

Which will get us first? The super-volcano in Yellowstone Park? An asteroid hurtling towards us from outer space? Black holes from CERN gobbling up the solar system? Or - who knows - alien invasion? Armed with lavish illustrations and their one-of-a-kind "Catastrophometer", David Darling and Dir[...]

Examines each of these parameters in crucial depth and makes the argument that life forms we would recognize may be more common in our solar system than many assume. Considers exotic forms of life that would not have to rely on carbon as the basic chemical element, solar energy as the main energy so[...]