Explains how planets form and details the techniques scientists use to study and detect planets outside our solar system. Includes color photographs and further reading sources.
how the hunt for alien worlds and artificial cells will revolutionize life on our planet
Sasselov, Dimitar D
2012
Explains the idea that astronomy includes biology, geology, and chemistry and discusses how finding rocky planets like our own that orbit other stars may answer questions about the origins of life here and elsewhere. Describes how the collaborative work of astronomers, chemists, geologists, and biologists has begun working out the unseen biochemistries that other planets could support. Includes chapter notes and an index.
Profiles the work of astronomer Geoff Marcy, who has discovered more than half of all known extrasolar planets. Outlines the techniques researchers use to detect planets outside our solar system and includes a glossary and full-color photographs and illustrations.
Describes galaxies, stars, and planets, where planets are likely to be, how astronomers observe or deduce their locations, how the Kepler space telescope helps in the search for planets, and what might be possible to observe in the future.
An introduction to the planets that explores how scientists study the planets, what they have learned about planets in other solar systems, how they might have formed, and other related topics.
the search for alien planets and life beyond our solar system
Jayawardhana, Ray
2011
Astronomer Ray Jayawardhana discusses the scientific quest to discover other planets and life in the universe, describing breakthroughs into the early twenty-first century, and examining the tools and technology available to scientists seeking life on other worlds.
Explores the science behind seven mysteries of the universe, including information on the largest known galaxy and star, the Crab Nebula, the most Earthlike extrasolar planet, pulsars, the sculptor supercluster, and the Tarantula Nebula.
