Exoplanets

Diamond Worlds, Super Earths, Pulsar Planets, and the New Search for Life Beyond Our Solar System

By: Michael Summers

Narrated by: Jon Bennett

Since its 2009 launch, the Kepler satellite has discovered more than 2,000 exoplanets, or planets outside our solar system. More exoplanets are being discovered all the time, remarkable in their variety. Astronomer Michael Summers and physicist James Trefil explore these remarkable recent discoveries: planets revolving around pulsars, planets made of diamond, planets that are mostly water, and numerous rogue planets wandering through the emptiness of space. This captivating book reveals the latest discoveries and argues that the incredible richness and complexity we are finding necessitates a change in our questions and mental paradigms. In short, we have to change how we think about the universe and our place in it, because it is stranger and more interesting than we could have imagined.

©2017 Michael Summers and James Trefil (P)2017 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Too Short - But What Can One Expect From a New Sci

It will be interesting when there is more story to exoplanets - this short presentation does sum up the nascent field.

Fascinating astrophysics

I found this book informative and stimulating with its tales of exotic Astronomical locales and challenges of our outlook on where and how life would develop.

Good updated look at the science

I learned some new things and corrected some outdated knowledge. Very accessible for the lay person.

must read

well written 👏 author very articulated and great discussion on Fermi paradox and extra terrestrial life

Tired of the same old?

This is material that, if you're already into astronomy and cosmology, is new and interesting. It starts at level 5/10 as opposed to 1/10 --new and interesting food for though if you're already up to snuff on space shizzle.

love the direction and beauty!

direct interesting funny and educational very well done, and I have no issues with staying awake and listening to the details of our beloved organic universe

FINALLY, an Attention-Grabbing Planet Book!

If you're an adult with an IQ over 90, you can only listen to so many Neil deGrasse Tyson books without finally reaching a point where you chuck your iPhone across the room and say, "I've heard all this stuff before!! It" Nothing against Neil. I LOVE the guy, and think he's doing incredible work for mankind. However, some of his books about the solar system can come across as a bit too... made for kids.

Not this book.

This book is definitely written for ADULTS.

The science is up to date, the research is meticulous, and the theorizing the authors do is second-to-none! Even those without a science background will find the writing compelling and easily understood. I found their speculation on rogue planets to be especially genius.

I've read many books on the universe, our galaxy, and other solar systems in particular, but this is BY FAR the best book I've come across on planets OUTSIDE our solar system. Nearly every chapter taught me something new and totally unexpected!

The only (small) criticism I have is that the book is too short. This is a good thing, trust me. Every single chapter ended with me wanting at least 50% more. To me, that's the ultimate win for an author; to have the reader salivating for more.

If you have any interest at all in Super-Earths, planets made of diamonds, or extra terrestrials(!!!!!), then you need to give this book a listen. You won't be disappointed.

Outstanding explanation of current state of exoplanets research

Complete chronology of human curiosity for what is beyond our solar system. The narrator's soft style made the complex science seem like everyday discourse. A must read for those who grew up before the discovery of exoplanets with only a limited knowledge of our solar system and our galaxy.

Alone?

Is it time to retire the Drake equation? Is it time to stop looking with SETI? Is it time to realize that life here on Earth is all there is? All these questions and many more are brought to the fore front of this fascinating selection from Michael Summers. This is the second book I have listened to from this author, and it's as good as the first, called Imagined Life. Since this was the first of the two series some of the information was repeated, but it's all excellent. I have listened several times to each an of these and am convinced that both MS and JT are spot on. The narration is also excellent and easy to listen to. I highly recommend traveling through the galaxy on the search for new planets, and places where just maybe life might develop.

Listen to this more than once

This audible book provided great information described in understandable terms, and interesting facts to ponder.