III / Alien Earths

Book: Alien Earths by Lisa Kaltenegger
Genre: Astronomy, Non-Fiction
Pages: 288
Subject: The Scientific Search for Alien Life

Looking up at the stars at night will be an entirely new experience after reading this book.

Introduction
Alien Earths by Lisa Kaltenegger, Astrophysicist and the Founding Director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, is a beautifully woven narrative guiding you on a journey through the exploration of the cosmos in pursuit of habitable exoplanets, ripe with the potential to harbor life. Professor Kaltenegger makes this adventure incredibly fascinating, informative, funny at times (I notably laughed out loud multiple times during this read!), and highly digestible—making analogies that the everyday person can understand. 

Summary
Prepare to immerse yourself in the intricate mechanisms of far-away planetary systems and stars, learning their perplexing nature, vastly different than Earth’s. In this journey, the reader is exposed to thought-provoking findings of the regions lightyears across the universe, such as unprecedented discoveries of gas giants circling their sun in less than the equivalent of one Earth day, and rogue planets who roam through space without a stellar system, akin to a lone wolf in the darkness (perhaps I related too much to this idea). One of my favorite learnings is the wildly resilient life span of micro-animals with ‘alien-like’ survivability in space and other extreme conditions. Professor Kaltenegger also takes you through the enigmas within our own solar system, examining various planets’ moons and their mysterious features that might lend themselves to the potential for life. She poetically encapsulates decades of progress in space exploration, documenting various missions and how they have expanded our understanding of the universe, and will continue to in coming years. Connecting the almost unimaginable and intriguing characteristics of distant exoplanets to those found in the works of sci-fi, she whimsically reinforces and proves that reality surpasses even the wildest fiction. 

The book is rich with a wealth of captivating data and information (not to mention lovely illustrations), pushing the boundaries of human comprehension yet presenting it through easily relatable examples.

Relevance & Impact

In a time when space exploration is just beginning to take flight, this book emerges as an indispensable beacon of relevance. There has never been a more crucial moment to explore the subject, learn what it means for humanity as a whole, and understand more about our past and future. Alien Earths serves as a great tool for inspiration for those who are embarking on a scientific journey of their own, and for the public who have a deep curiosity for the mysteries of space.

One of the most powerful messages is when Professor Kaltenegger speaks to the gender challenges of being a successful scientist, and the forthcoming changes but noting there is work to be done. Her personal narrative is profoundly gripping, showing genuine resilience and perseverance as she carved a path in her field, paving the way for aspiring female scientists today and in the future.

After reading this book, I have a new love for our Sun, water bears, and the point in human history in which I live, as we are on the brink of discovering such exciting phenomena.

Favorite Quotes

(On JWST blasting off into space…) “It also carried the dreams of thousands of scientists like me, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cosmos that had been beyond our reach—out view—until now.” (pg. 8)

“The language that reveals the mysteries of the cosmos is mathematics.” (pg. 22)

“Saturn is about the same density as cotton candy.” (pg. 40)

“In the vast expanse of the universe, you are part of the cosmos. You are made of ancient stardust.” (pg. 60)

“For anyone who is struggling to find their place, I suggest that you find one person who provides that kind of encouragement for you and then hold on to their advice.” (pg. 156)

“Maybe our descendants will travel to these planets in the far future and stand under the light of two suns, watching their double shadows dance.” (pg. 225)