Astronomers are on the verge of answering one of our most profound questions: are we alone in the universe? The ability to detect life in remote solar systems is at last within sight, and its discovery—even if only in microbial form—would revolutionize our self-image. Planet Hunters is the rollicking tale of the search for extraterrestrial life and the history of an academic discipline. Astronomer Lucas Ellerbroek takes readers on a fantastic voyage through space, time, history, and even to the future as he describes the field of exoplanet research, from the early ideas of sixteenth-century heretic Giordano Bruno to the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1995 to the invention of the Kepler Space Telescope. We join him on his travels as he meets with leading scientists in the field, including Michel Mayor, who discovered the first exoplanet, and Bill Borucki, principal investigator for NASA’s Kepler mission. Taken together, the experiences, passion, and perseverance of the scientists featured here make the book an exciting and compelling read. Presenting cutting-edge research in a dynamic and accessible way, Planet Hunters is a refreshing look into a field where new discoveries come every week and paradigms shift every year.

He has discovered more planets than anyone in history. In this inspiring true story, winner of the American Institute of Physics Award, Geoff Marcy's love of space helped him overcome struggles in his studies until finally he became an astronomer. But he was not on track to make major discoveries. Eventually, he went back to the questions that thrilled him as a boy: Are we alone? Do Earth-like planets orbit the stars in the night sky? It would not be easy to find a planet outside our solarsystem. Others had tried and failed. But Marcy never gave up. Since 1995, he and his colleagues have discovered nearly half of the 380 known "extrasolar" planets. Stunning paintings transport the reader to the exotic worlds that he and others have found.

Provides historical information on astronomy, the discovery of the planets, and the people who have made such discoveries.

In the vastness of space, countless planets exist. Scientists are actively studying as many of them as they can. How many could support life as Earth does? And what other wonderful worlds will our technology find?

Ever since the serendipitous discovery of planet Uranus in 1871, astronomers have been hunting for new worlds in the outer regions of our solar system. This exciting and ongoing quest culminated recently in the discovery of hundreds of ice dwarfs in the Kuiper belt, robbed Pluto from its ‘planet’ status, and led to a better understanding of the origin of the solar system. This timely book reads like a scientific ‘who done it’, going from the heights of discovery to the depths of disappointment in the hunt for ‘Planet X’. Based on many personal interviews with astronomers, the well-known science writer Govert Schilling introduces the heroes in the race to be the first in finding another world, bigger than Pluto.

Experience the Amazing Unmanned Journeys to Explore the Universe In Incredible Stories from Space, veteran space journalist Nancy Atkinson shares compelling insights from over 35 NASA scientists and engineers, taking readers behind the scenes of the unmanned missions that are transforming our understanding of the solar system and beyond. Weaving together one-on-one interviews along with the extraordinary sagas of the spacecraft themselves, this book chronicles the struggles and triumphs of nine current space missions and captures the true spirit of exploration and discovery. Full color images throughout reveal scientific discoveries and the stunning, breathtaking views of our universe, sent back to Earth by our robotic emissaries to the cosmos. -Travel along with the first mission to Pluto -Explore Mars alongside the Curiosity Rover -Join the unprecedented hunt for extrasolar planets -Unlock the mysteries of the cosmos with the iconic Hubble Space Telescope -Discover the latest findings in our solar system -See the future of space exploration with a preview of upcoming missions

As a planetary alignment transpires, Grant ("Greyhound") is startled to discover that his wife Amber is an alien and "The Goddess of the Universe and Galaxies." When Amber becomes pregnant with a child, whom a prophecy states will inherit her authority, Greyhound realizes he too possesses otherworldly powers, handed down by his grandfather. Greyhound becomes "Hunter of Hunters" - the most feared warrior in the Universe and Galaxies. While Amber shares her knowledge of the future with Greyhound, the Royals from the Galactic Government try to assassinate the unborn child. Greyhound must step up to the challenge and battle alien hunters, androids and Royals. Will Greyhound be able to save the future and see the prophecy of his future child's benevolent rule of the Universe and Galaxies realized? About the Author: Jerry Posey grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and currently resides in Amarillo, Texas. He is at work on his next novel, Binary Code, which takes place in the world of computer fictional security. Mr. Posey would like to thank his wife Sheila Kocher, Brien Posey, Cara Nalepa, and Chris Posey for their support during the writing of Greyhound, Hunter of Hunters. Publisher's website: http: //SBPRA.com/JerryPosey