Based on the latest missions results and supported by commissioned artwork this book explores
the possible lessons we may learn from exoplanets. As the number of known Earth-like objects
grows significantly the author explores what is known about the growing roster of pale blue
dots far afield. Aided by an increased sensitivity of the existing observatories recent
discoveries by Keck the Hubble Space Telescope and Kepler are examined. These findings once
thought to be closer to the realm of science fiction have fired the imaginations of the
general public as well as scientists. All of us are mesmerized by the possibility of other
Earth-like worlds out there. Author Michael Carroll asks the tough questions of what the
expected gain is from identifying these Earth analogs spread across the Universe and the
reasons for studying them. Potentially they could teach us about our own climate and Solar
System. Also explored are the more remote options of communication between or even travel to
these distant yet perhaps not so dissimilar worlds.
