Description
An intimate history of Earth and the quest for life beyond the solar system traces the discoveries of thousands of "exoplanets" throughout the past 20 years, including some with Earth-like characteristics that top researchers are examining for evidence of life.
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“A definitive guide to astronomy’s hottest field.” —The EconomistSince its formation nearly five billion years ago, our planet has been the sole living world in a vast and silent universe. But over the past two decades, astronomers have discovered thousands of “exoplanets,” including some that could be similar to our own world, and the pace of discovery is accelerating.In a fascinating account of this unfolding revolution, Lee Billings draws on interviews with the world’s top experts in the search for life beyond earth. He reveals how the search for exoplanets is not only a scientific challenge, but also a reflection of our culture’s timeless hopes, dreams, and fears.
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