Description
Book SynopsisThis book is an exploration of our Solar System and of distant planetary systems. The author explains what has recently been learned about exoplanets and their habitability, how this is done, and what it means for the search for life.
Trade ReviewThe book strikes a delicate balance between conveying complex ideas and remaining accessible to a non-technical reader. There are no equations, but there are extensive bibliographies for each chapter for further reading. I would recommend this book widely for its summarization of the state of many sub-disciplines within exoplanet science and enlightening historical background. * Edward W. Schwieterman, Nature Astronomy *
The text is written in a light, narrative and yet scientific style and abstains from mathematical formalism or unnecessary jargon. It is interesting to read at any point, owing also to the view on the subject from different angles, including historical, cultural, technical and scientific aspects. * Manuel Vogel, Contemporary Physics *
Schrijver's style is so accessible, almost conversational ... If you are into exoplanets and the possibility of life elsewhere from an astronomy perspective (as opposed to a bio- and geo-science viewpoint) then this could well be this year's choice ... Fascinating stuff. * Jonathan Cowie, Concatenation *
Karel Schrijver's lucid, fact-packed primer ranges over everything from the Goldilocks zone and stellar nurseries to disrupted exosystems and the vagaries of living on a pale blue dot. * Barbara Kiser, Nature *
A very readable and up-to-date account of the ongoing search and discovery of extra-solar planets throughout the Universe, with emphasis on finding those that resemble Earth to a greater or lesser degree, and those that may harbour some kind of life. * Fred Taylor, University of Oxford *
Table of Contents1: From one to astronomical 2: One step short of life 3: Exploring the Solar System 4: Exoplanet systems and their stars 5: The birth of stars and planets 6: Drifting through a planetary system 7: Lone rovers 8: Aged stars and disrupted exosystems 9: The worlds of exoplanets 10: Habitability of planets and moons 11: The long view of planetary systems 12: Living on a pale blue dot
