The question ‘Are we alone?’ has permeated human thought since ancient times, and today the possibility of alien life and intergalactic travellers remains a bountiful source of inspiration for science fiction. In this compelling and controversial work, Dirk Schulze-Makuch and David Darling boldly argue that extraterrestrial life is actually astrobiological fact, and what’s more it abounds! Far from existing light-years away in the outer reaches of space, it’s on our very doorstep: for persuasive evidence we need look no further than our celestial neighbour, Mars. Expertly probing the latest scientific evidence for microbial life, including from the Phoenix probe, which landed on Mars in 2008, Schulze-Makuch and Darling argue that extraterrestrial life is a near certainty both in the Solar System and beyond. Also exploring the potentially huge implications of future encounters with sapient beings, this book will provide a thrilling read for anyone interested in popular science or science fiction. Dr. Dirk Schulze-Makuch is currently an Associate Professor in Astrobiology at Washington State University. His research has been widely published in media ranging from academic journals to The New Scientist. David Darling is an award winning popular science writer. He is the bestselling author of Equations of Eternity.