Overview

Light of the Stars tells a radically new story about what we are: one world in a universe awash in planets. Building on his widely discussed scientific papers and The New York Times op-eds, astrophysicist Adam Frank shows that not only is it likely that alien civilisations have existed many times before but that many of them have driven their own worlds into dangerous eras of change. He explains how dust storms on Mars, the greenhouse effect on Venus, Gaia Theory, the threat of nuclear winter, and efforts to prove or disprove the plurality of worlds from Aristotle to Copernicus to Carl Sagan have contributed to our understanding of our place in the universe and the growing challenge of climate change. And he explores what may be the largest question of all: if there has been life on other worlds, what its presence can tell us about our own fate.

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In this provocative new book, Adam Frank makes the case that one good way to think about life on Earth is to think about the prospect of life on other planets--and what it might have to teach us about how to be good Earthlings.--Sean Carroll Exoplanets and the prospects for alien life are among the most fascinating and fast-advancing topics in the whole of science--and these advances help us to see our own Earth in a fuller perspective. Adam Frank deserves our gratitude for condensing so much fascinating material into this highly readable book.--Martin Rees This book describes the emerging science of astrobiology, which is helping us to understand the task we face in bringing our civilization into a healthy relationship with our planet. Frank's book serves as a kind of cosmic GPS, giving us an orientation that will help us to succeed. Happily it's not just important but also very clear, succinct, and entertaining.--Kim Stanley Robinson This important book puts the challenge of climate change literally in an astronomical perspective, by explaining why any technological civilization will have to solve it, if it is to survive. Gracefully and clearly written, this is a book that everyone concerned with the world our grandchildren will inherit will want to read.--Lee Smolin In explaining the science and sociological drivers that will determine whether or not we humans will be part of the long future of our planet, Adam Frank introduces us to an array of charming scientific explorers you've probably never heard of, as well as the giants who have dared to adopt a cosmic perspective as a necessity for pondering our future fate.--Jill Tarter Light of the Stars offers a new way to think about our place in the scheme of things. It explains how our species, though produced by a seemingly purposeless evolutionary process, has nonetheless wound up with a mission--a critical mission--that is rooted deeply in nature. This momentous and bracing story is one that Adam Frank, an accomplished astrophysicist and a gifted writer, is uniquely qualified to tell. --Robert Wright

We may have no proof that aliens exist, but US astrophysicist Adam Frank is pretty convinced. -- Best Holiday Reading - New Scientist Pleasingly, the findings here are more hopeful and proactive than has been the case elsewhere, encouraging us to take charge and create a better future. As far as messages go, it's not a bad one. -- How It Works In this provocative new book, Adam Frank makes the case that one good way to think about life on Earth is to think about the prospect of life on other planets-and what it might have to teach us about how to be good Earthlings. -- Sean Carroll

Author Information

Adam Frank is a professor of astrophysics at the University of Rochester. He is a co-founder of NPR’s 13.7: Cosmos and Culture blog and an on-air commentator for All Things Considered. He also served as the science consultant for Marvel Studio’s Dr. Strange. He lives in Rochester, New York.

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