Solid Exposition Of The Topic. There really isn't much more to say about this particular book. If you're interested in the future of humanity at all, particularly our future as a space faring / multi-planet species, you need to read this book. If you're interested in the potential for finding or communicating with non-Earth lifeforms, you need to read this book. In both of these arenas, Impey does a solid job of explaining the history of the relevant sciences, where they have been recently, where they are projected to be within the next generation or so, and what it would take to actually get or communicate with... much of anywhere, really. While exoplanets - planets beyond our local solar system and even beyond our own galaxy - are the main discussion, there are some discussions of the possibilities of life beyond Earth even within our local system that are also quite realistic, even including potential timeframes for when this could happen. Wow, I've actually said more about this book than I thought I would. :) In short, read this book and learn a thing or two. Unless you happen to be an astrophysicist specializing in exoplanets already. ;) Very much recommended. ( )

"The progress in discovering exoplanets has been breathtaking. After decades of failure, it took just twenty-eight years to go from zero to five thousand" (p 67). Fairly early in that 1995-2023 span, numerous books covered such basics as the Doppler-wobble and orbital-transit methods of detection. After recapitulating and expanding on these topics, Impey moves on to efforts to find evidence of primitive biology ("[Exo]life might be detected in the next five to ten years" -- p 157) and attempts to observe signs of ET intelligence (e.g. Breakthrough Listen). Finally, he focuses on human exploitation of and travel through space (e.g. Breakthrough Starshot). One wild idea I liked: since chemical rockets would be unable to reach local orbit from massive "super-Earths", intelligent beings on planets of this largest category (a category sadly unrepresented in our solar system) might need to build space elevators.

Worlds Without End by Chris Impey is an accessible yet detailed look at exoplanets, from how they could form, how we first discovered one, how we have continued on that path, and the importance of such research for humanity.

I came to this book expecting a great experience, I have taken 3 of Impey's MOOCs on Coursera and found them to be interesting, informative, and even fun. This book did not let me down.

This volume is primarily concerned with the big picture and with the ideas rather than the mathematics and technical science of astronomy. That doesn't mean he skips these things, rather that he tells us what we need to know then mentions, for example, the numbers as illustration. If you're familiar with the science this brings the big concepts into view, which can sometimes get lost when we are working our way through the minutiae of calculations. If you aren't familiar with the science, this is an excellent way to learn what is going on without being intimidated by a lot of mathematics.

While this is first of all astronomy, it is with a purpose and a destination, namely that of astrobiology and then to the possible future of humankind on, or off, Earth. Because these are the endpoints and ultimate takeaways, glossing the math to make sure the concepts are clear is ideal.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in exoplanets, astrobiology, and possible future solutions for our life (possibly) after Earth.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )