The Little Book of Aliens: An astrophysicist tackles UFOs, SETI, and the Fermi Paradox―revealing how close we truly are to finding alien life

“The truth is out there. But so are lies.” Thus goes the famous X-Files line. Adam Frank, an impressively fun writer, has put our credulity to the test with this brief but enlightening primer on aliens. As an astrophysicist, and someone long intrigued by the prospect of life in the universe, he offers us a scientific and honest look at the nature of possible extraterrestrial life.The book touches on multiple aspects of the idea. What are these UFO sightings all about? If alien life isn’t (or hasn’t) been here on Earth – spoiler alert, he thinks not – what about somewhere else in the galaxy? Ho

Professor Adam Frank has written two books on the search for extraterrestrial life: LIGHT OF THE STARS (2018) and THE LITTLE BOOK OF ALIENS (2023). LIGHT OF THE STARS is a better book, but THE LITTLE BOOK OF ALIENS is a better title.LIGHT OF THE STARS: Alien Worlds and the Fate of the Earth presents a fascinating story about how humans have used the tools at their disposal to investigate the possibility of life on other planets circling other stars. The story is told in a way that is easy to understand, even for the non-scientific reader. He relates findings and expectations from what other pl

Believe in UFO’s or aliens that have visited our world? Adam Frank has news for you; it likely hasn’t happened.Going back to the first report of a UFO which wasn’t saucer shaped but was misreported in the news as a flying saucer, he points out that the power of suggestion is far more powerful than science among the general population. Frank takes the scientific approach; there’s a lack of hard evidence anywhere and we only have the word of folks who have seen them along with blurry photos and creatures that look humanoid when it’s not likely aliens would really look like that. Sure there is co

I have worked professionally on outer space policy and astrobiology for over a decade. "A Little Book of Aliens" is a perfect introduction to the topic of astrobiology and the potential for extraterrestrial life: what might it be? how are we looking? what might happen if we have contact? and many other topics. The writing style is light with a bit of humor. This is not a conspiracy-driven book -- just facts and rational discussion. I got a copy from the public library and after reading ordered a copy for myself from Amazon. I'm recommending it to students and others who are interested in learn

Incredibly well written! To be able to tackle a very complex scientific field…astrobiology, physics, and advanced mathematics…and make it not only understandable but FUN to read in one slim book is amazing. Author Adam Frank manages to tackle the current science with clarity and lots of humor. The search for the answer to the question, “Are we alone?” takes the imagination to the far reaches of the universe. I initially read a library copy, and liked it so much I bought my own book. The science is mind-stretching and fascinating. At 75 and with no science background, I love it!

The major thing to remember when you open the book - it was written by an astrophysicist, do not expect Adam being deeply knowledgeable about every aspect of UAPs. In this book, Adam Frank lays out the cutting-edge of what astrophysics and astronomy have to say about searching for alien words - this part is brilliant.To be fair, I have to admit that Adam has given a fairly good assessment to UFOology, he does not reject it out of hand, he does mention credible people in the field. On the flip side, you don’t find any mentions of James Fox’s movies or work of Garry Nolan’s work or George Knapp

Great book with a scientific look at UAPs, alien life, and how we would best detect alien life on other planets. Just great beginning to end. I also encourage readers to listen to any of Adam Frank's recent podcast interviews on the book, such as with Dax Sheppard's Armchair Expert. Covers a lot of the same material. I learned a ton and I have a lot of debating facts for my friends that are absolutely convinced ET's visit us all the time.

I discovered "The Little Book of Aliens" by Adam Frank through NPR's WXXI program "Connections with Evan Dawson," and it was a great find. Frank masterfully intertwines science with popular culture, offering a fresh perspective on the alien phenomenon. His exploration of how aliens in pop culture have inadvertently hindered scientific progress is both insightful and thought-provoking. Highly recommended for its unique—oftentimes playful—approach and engaging content.