Planet Quest

The discovery of evidence of life on Mars has transformed speculation that we are not alone in our galaxy from an interesting exercise into a re-evaluation of our place in the grand sweep of the cosmos. This text for the general reader raises fundamental questions about the universe.

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A new era in the exploration of the universe has begun. In 1995, after decades of intense scientific investigation. planet hunters discovered the first alien solar system around a star like our own Sun. Since then, armed with new insight and technology, astronomers have been discovering planets at an exhilarating pace. Every day seems to bring us closer to finding an Earthlike planet, perhaps harbouring life, and the resolution to the grandest human mystery of all: are we alone? Now astronomer and internationally acclaimed author Ken Croswell has written the definitive guide to the culmination of the scientific revolution that began with Copernicus. Weaving together the personal travails of the scientists who made the key discoveries, Croswell marshals extensive research and acute interviews to bring to life this epic of scientific adventure-in language so clear that anyone can understand. He shows around other stars to sighting more than half a dozen outposts of the final frontier. For the first time, scientists have demonstrated that the universe at large does in fact possess the four basic astronomical ingredients for life.
Moreover, Croswell describes how space-based observatories could provide direct images of our new neighbours. Perhaps someone, or something, will be waving back.