One of the most powerful questions humans ask about the cosmos is: Are we alone? While the science behind this inquiry is fascinating, it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It is a reflection of our values, our fears, and most importantly, our enduring sense of hope. In The Possibility of Life, acclaimed science journalist Jaime Green traces the history of our understanding, interweaving into one striking narrative: the roadmap of our solar system, beginning with Galileo and Copernicus our contemporary quest for exoplanets insights from science fiction writers who construct worlds that inspire scientists expert interviews, cutting-edge astronomy research, and philosophical inquiry pop culture touchstones ranging from A Wrinkle in Time to Star Trek to Arrival The Possibility of Life explores our evolving conception of the cosmos to ask an even deeper question: What does it mean to be human?