Out of this World and into the Next

A breathtaking journey from the Big Bang to the tantalising threshold of a general theory of life and its future (and ours) in the cosmos -- Bruce Damer, astrobiologist A fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of life, the universe, and the future of humanity. Immensely readable yet rigorously thought-through, the book tackles the pressing challenges facing humanity, and envisions a future shaped by clean energy, asteroid mining, and the potential for terraforming Mars. With a focus on the most profound questions of existence, Marais challenges readers to consider not just the scientific and technological possibilities but also the ethical responsibilities of our species: one can only hope that Elon Musk will pick up a copy -- Jonathan Morrison Elon Musk wants to send people to Mars, but how will life be on the red planet? Marais combs the cosmic dust for answers in her prospectus for all Mars adventurers, and she sets out the very hard, very (very) cold facts ... She is no starry-eyed space cadet, but a physicist working in the esoteric byways of quantum biology, so she knows one end of a dilithium crystal from the other. Space, one hardly needs to be reminded, is always trying to kill you, and this could provide a lesson in how much we should be tidying things up back home -- Henry Gee * The Times * Delves into the practical, theoretical, emotional and human aspects of space exploration, grounded in the impact that journey can and will have on humanity on Earth -- Blackwell's Noteworthy Hardback Non-Fiction Recommendations Fast-paced, well-written and thought provoking ... Marais takes back to the beginning of the Universe, from the Big Bang through the formation of the first stars to the birth of our Solar System and creation of Earth. This intelligently written book has a wide reach [as it] carries us through many complex topics, from quantum photosynthesis to terraforming, nuclear fusion reactors to asteroid mining ... I found the analysis of our world today, with many jaw-dropping statistics about pollution and the unequal distribution of resources both sobering and fascinating. -- Jenny Winder * BBC Sky at Night * A manifesto for going off-world to Mars and beyond. As a director of the Foundation for Space Development Africa, she is a well-qualified and energetic advocate for this developmental journey. There's a can-do spirit to Marais's writing, and a fascination with past explorers, but her arguments are more than boosterism and jingoistic fervour. She's honest, pessimistic even, about humanity's impact on our planetary environment. -- Richard Dunn * TLS * Adriana is boldly taking readers where few have gone before - past the billionaires and booster rockets, and straight into the human heart of space exploration * Fairlady *