Chris Impey is a university distinguished professor of astronomy and a science popularizer. His work delves into the cosmos, exploring its origins, future, and the search for extraterrestrial life. His writings tackle fundamental questions about humanity's existence in the universe, touching upon the scientific and cultural impacts of discovery. Through engaging narratives, Impey invites readers on a journey of cosmic understanding, from the universe's inception to its distant destiny.
"WORLDS WITHOUT END: EXOPLANETS, HABITABILITY, AND THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY will present the scientific missions exploring exoplanets through the lens of habitability and our survival in the universe"-- Provided by publisher
The astonishing science of black holes, and their role in understanding the history and future of our universe.
The astonishing science of black holes, and their role in understanding the history and future of our universe.
Beyond dares to imagine a fantastic future for humans in space-and then reminds us that we're already there.
Exploring the history of the universe, the book takes readers on a captivating journey from the recognizable night sky to the extraordinary events following the Big Bang. Chris Impey presents a vivid and enlightening perspective on cosmic milestones, revealing the wonders of space and time in an engaging manner.
The story of unmanned space exploration, from Viking to today Dreams of Other Worlds describes the unmanned space missions that have opened new windows on distant worlds. Spanning four decades of dramatic advances in astronomy and planetary science, this book tells the story of eleven iconic exploratory missions and how they have fundamentally transformed our scientific and cultural perspectives on the universe and our place in it. The journey begins with the Viking and Mars Exploration Rover missions to Mars, which paint a startling picture of a planet at the cusp of habitability. It then moves into the realm of the gas giants with the Voyager probes and Cassini's ongoing exploration of the moons of Saturn. The Stardust probe's dramatic round-trip encounter with a comet is brought vividly to life, as are the SOHO and Hipparcos missions to study the Sun and Milky Way. This stunningly illustrated book also explores how our view of the universe has been brought into sharp focus by NASA's great observatories—Spitzer, Chandra, and Hubble—and how the WMAP mission has provided rare glimpses of the dawn of creation. Dreams of Other Worlds reveals how these unmanned exploratory missions have redefined what it means to be the temporary tenants of a small planet in a vast cosmos.
Exploring the intriguing field of astrobiology, this book offers a captivating look at humanity's role in the cosmos. It delves into the scientific principles behind the search for extraterrestrial life and examines the conditions necessary for life to thrive beyond Earth. Perfect for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of our universe and the potential for life beyond our planet, it combines accessible explanations with thought-provoking concepts.
Exploring the concept of mortality on a grand scale, Chris Impey delves into the death of everything from individual lives to the universe itself. Drawing on groundbreaking scientific research, he examines the fate of species, the biosphere, Earth, the sun, and the Milky Way, ultimately presenting a comprehensive view of cosmic mortality. This thought-provoking journey invites readers to reflect on existence and the inevitable end that awaits all things.