Michael H. Hart had worked for NASA and was a professor of astronomy and physics at a college in Maryland, USA. He holds degrees in physics, astronomy, and law and is the author of the best selling book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, which has been translated into a number of languages, including Chinese. In addition, he has written and published widely in various technical fields. He also co-edited the book, Extra-Terrestrials, Where Are They? and is the author of A View from the Year 3000.