The sixth element : how carbon shapes our world / Theodore P. Snow & Don Brownlee.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"Carbon is arguably humankind's most important chemical element - indeed, possibly the most important element in the universe. Created in the fiery furnaces of stars, carbon is the chemical backbone of the planets and life as we know it. It is essential to every part of our lives: the bones and tissue which give us all shape, the food we eat, the tools we use, the climate which supports life on this planet. Despite these facts, carbon's importance is often overlooked. In this short, popular-level book, astronomers Theodore Snow and Donald Brownlee consider carbon from a cosmic perspective, explaining the inherent chemical and physical nature of the element as well as the ways in which it is foundational to nearly everything in the universe, our environment, and our lives. Snow and Brownlee first discuss the carbon's discovery and origin, as well as the aspects of carbon's chemical makeup (such as its incredible ability to link to itself and bond with many other elements) that make it so special and important to the history of the universe and our solar system. After addressing carbon's role in the chemical evolution of the universe, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, and life, the authors go on to describe its technological uses and its influence on Earth's climate and planetary habitability more generally. Throughout, the authors discuss not only the element itself, but also the scientists across numerous disciplines whose research helped illuminate carbon's wide-ranging importance"-- Provided by publisher.

"A cosmic perspective on carbon, its importance in the universe and our lives. When we think of carbon, we might first think of a simple element near the top of the periodic table: symbol C, atomic number 6. Alternatively, we might think of something more tangible-a sooty piece of coal or a sparkling diamond, both made of carbon. Or, as Earth's global temperature continues to rise alarmingly, we might think of the role carbon plays in climate change. Yet carbon's story begins long ago, far from earthly concerns. In The Sixth Element, astronomers Snow and Brownlee tell the story of carbon from a cosmic perspective-how it was born in the fiery furnaces of stars, what special chemical and physical properties it has, and how it forms the chemical backbone of the planets and all life as we know it. Foundational to every part of our lives, from our bodies to the food, tools, and atmosphere that sustain our existence, carbon is arguably humankind's most important element. Snow and Brownlee offer readers the ideal introduction to the starry element that made our world possible and shapes our lives. They first discuss carbon's origin, discovery, and its unique ability to bond with other elements and thus form countless molecules. Next, they reveal carbon's essential role in the chemical evolution of the universe, the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, and life, and then, more generally, its technological uses and its influence on Earth's climate. Bringing readers on a historical, scientific, and cross-disciplinary journey, The Sixth Element illuminates the cosmic wonder that is carbon"-- Provided by publisher.