Fall 2025

Are We Alone?

Searching for Life Beyond Earth with The Planetary Society ®

  • Interest Level: Grade 2 - Grade 4
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

The Universe is massive. There are at least one hundred billion stars in the Milky Way Galaxy alone. And there are at least one hundred billion galaxies in our Universe. That means there are a lot of worlds we haven’t explored. So is it possible that there is life beyond Earth? What is needed for Earth life, and what would alien life look like? How do scientists explore faraway worlds for signs of alien life? Discover the technology and research scientists are using to find answers.

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979-8-7656-6822-1
On pre-order until 10/07/2025
$23.99
979-8-7656-8467-2
On pre-order until 10/07/2025
$9.99
979-8-7656-8013-1
On pre-order until 10/07/2025
$35.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on library bound hardcovers and all eBook and eBook with Audio editions when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 2 - Grade 4
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Science
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Traditional Nonfiction, STEM, STEM: Earth Science, STEM: Space Science, STEM: Technology
Copyright 2026
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Brand The Planetary Society ®
Imprint Lerner Publications ™
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-10-07
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS JNF051040, JNF051010
Dewey 576.8/39
Dimensions 7 x 9
Guided Reading Level S
Features Bibliography/further reading, Charts/Graphs/Diagrams, Glossary, Index, Introductory note, Photo captions, Sidebars, and Table of contents

Author: Bruce Betts, PhD

Dr. Bruce Betts is Chief Scientist and LightSail Program Manager for The Planetary Society, the world’s largest space interest group. Dr. Betts is a planetary scientist who earned a B.S. in physics and math and an M.S. in Applied Physics from Stanford and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science with a minor in Geology from Caltech. He spent several years with San Juan Institute/Planetary Science Institute as a Research Scientist, and later Senior Research Scientist. Dr. Betts is the author of Astronomy for Kids: How to Explore Outer Space with Binoculars, a Telescope, or Just Your Eyes! He regularly writes for The Planetary Society member magazine The Planetary Report, and on his blog on planetary.org.