The Smallest Lights in the Universe

More about the book

Canadian MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager shares her journey of seeking meaning and solace after the loss of her first husband to cancer, alongside her relentless pursuit of an Earth-like exoplanet and the emergence of new love. Devoting her life to exploring the cosmos for exoplanets, she faced an emotional void following her husband's unexpected death, becoming a widow at forty and a single mother to two young boys. Clinging to remnants of her husband's guidance, she grappled with her Asperger's, feeling isolated in her grief. In this candid memoir, Seager recounts her navigation through sorrow while continuing her quest for other worlds. She works on innovative projects like the Starshade, designed to block starlight and reveal distant planets, finding solace in the beauty of exoplanets. Along her journey, she connects with others, including the Widows of Concord, who provide support, and her sons, Max and Alex. Most surprising is her connection with an amateur astronomer, highlighting the profound interplay between the wonders of the universe and human relationships. This memoir serves as a beacon of light amid darkness, celebrating both the cosmos and the bonds that sustain us.