A guide to the science behind the search for extraterrestrials, including the conditions necessary for life, where such conditions could exist, how aliens might look, and how we might be able to communicate with them.

Includes index.

Introduction: A practical handbook for life hunters -- How to recognize life -- How to find an alien world -- The alien timeline -- What aliens might look like -- How to talk to aliens -- Aliens on planet Earth -- Put it into practice!.