The beauty and wonder of the night sky have been made even more awesome as speculation about the origin and evolution of the universe has been transformed into solid scientific knowledge over the last century. Scientists have made tremendous strides in answering some of the most compelling questions about the universe and our place in it, but many remain. How did stars, planets, and galaxies form? How did life on Earth begin? Are there other habitats suitable for life in the universe?

This volume brings together some of the greatest scientists of our time to provide a lucid, accessible overview of the theories and experiments devised to explain the great mysteries of science. Authors such as Steven Weinberg, Carl Sagan, Stephen Jay Gould, and Marvin Minsky explore the most intriguing issues: As the universe continues to expand, what will be its fate? Can we learn enough about our biological, physical, and social reality to fashion a future that our planet can sustain?

Will robots inherit the Earth? These and many other critical questions are addressed by the very scientists devoted to enhancing our understanding of the laws of nature. They may not be able to answer all of them, but their fascinating explorations take you to the very boundaries of scientific knowledge.