Extreme Habitable Environments: A Bridge Between Astrophysics and Astrobiology

Extreme Habitable Environments is a book authored with the intention of providing introductory material suitable for those interested in learning about exoplanets. The focal point of this book is to expose its readers to the excitement in identifying exoplanets and exploring the possibility of life on them. This book offers structured content enriched with graphics, flow charts, images and worked examples that make reading and learning a delight. This book further serves as a hands-on perspective of the solar system and exoplanets.

The first two chapters give a thorough insight into the solar system replete with the dynamics of star and planet formation. Exoplanets are introduced in the third chapter. Remaining chapters deal with various aspects of exoplanets, in a phased manner. Every chapter starts with an inspirational quote by a renowned personality. Content for every chapter is written in a down-to-earth style to facilitate readers’ understanding and appreciation of the fundamental concepts. While some topics are basically descriptive, others start with a simple concept and progressively become more rigorous and detailed. Every effort has been made to make each chapter as complete as possible with a view of inciting curiosity in the minds of the readers and motivating them towards additional knowledge acquisition. Numerical exercises are included at the end of relevant chapters to help readers develop independent thinking, logical analysis and deductive skills.

It is hoped that this book will cater to the needs of students desirous of pursuing research and a career in the field of Exoplanets.

Madhu Kashyap Jagadeesh is an astrophysicist from Bengaluru, India. He has received the young scientist award from Indian Science Congress and a young researcher award from 51st ESLAB, ESTEC/European Space Agency, Netherlands. He has a teaching experience of more than 5 years as assistant professor at undergraduate Physics level. He has published many research articles in many reputed international journals on exoplanets and astrobiology. He is an expert panel member for many news channels in India.

Usha Shekhar is a retired Associate Professor of Physics from a reputed women’s college in the state of Karnataka, India. She has to her credit an illustrious academic record. She obtained the Masters Degree in Physics topping the merit list as also scoring the highest percentage of marks among the students of the seven Science Departments of Bangalore University. She has a cache of gold and silver medals in recognition of her merit. In a teaching career spanning over 40 years, Usha Shekhar, with her vast stockpile of knowledge has propagated her passion for Physics amongst her students. Usha Shekhar is innovative in driving home seemingly difficult concepts in Physics by drawing examples from day to day life. She is an avid learner and keeps abreast of advancements in Physics and allied subjects. She has authored text books in Physics for college students and study material for aspirants of technical courses. She has been a member of several academic bodies. Since her retirement Usha Shekhar has been actively involved in writing content in Physics and topics of general scientific interest for reputed publishers.