Other Worlds (book)

Other Worlds is a collection of essays by astronomer Carl Sagan, published in 1975. The book explores various topics related to extraterrestrial life, the possibility of interstellar travel, and the search for other habitable planets. It builds upon Sagan's earlier works and continues his popularization of science, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a wider audience.

Key themes explored in Other Worlds include the Drake equation, an estimate of the number of potentially communicative civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy; the history of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI); the conditions necessary for life to arise and evolve; and speculation about the nature and characteristics of hypothetical alien life forms. The book also discusses the potential risks and benefits of contacting extraterrestrial civilizations.

Other Worlds reflects Sagan's optimistic and hopeful view of the universe, emphasizing the potential for scientific discovery and the importance of exploring beyond our planet. It is considered a significant contribution to the field of astrobiology and continues to be read by those interested in the search for life beyond Earth. The book is also notable for its discussion of pseudoscience and the importance of critical thinking in evaluating claims about UFOs and other unexplained phenomena.