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.