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Dreams of Other Worlds: The Amazing Story of Unmanned Space Exploration
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.
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.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2013
12 people are currently reading
774 people want to read
About the author
Chris Impey
26 books144 followersChris Impey is a University Distinguished Professor in the Astronomy Department and Associate Dean in the College of Science at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He has written popular articles on astronomy and is the author of a number of popular science books. The Living Cosmos is a tour of the search for life in the universe, and the pair of books How It Ends and How It Began cover the origin and fate of everything in the universe. Talking About Life is a series of conversations with pioneers in astrobiology. With Holly Henry, he wrote about the scientific and cultural impact of a dozen iconic NASA missions, Dreams of Other Worlds. A book about his experiences teaching cosmology to Tibetan monks, Humble Before the Void was published in 2014, and his book about the future of humans in space, called Beyond, was published in 2015. His first novel is called Shadow World.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 16, 2013
“There is music in the spacing of the spheres.” Pythagoras
Last week, NASA announced that Voyager 1, launched 36 years ago, has finally left our solar system and entered interstellar space. A mind-blowing achievement which will allow scientists to confirm some of their theories and expectations of what we will find beyond the reach of our Sun. But Voyager, impressive though it is, is only one of the amazing journeys we are making into space, some with great fanfares and trumpets, like the Mars Rovers expeditions, some less well known but no less important and inspiring for the information they send back. In this book, the authors tell us about eleven of these missions, what scientists have learned from them and how they have impacted on the popular imagination and culture.
The main thrust of the book is on the search for conditions suitable for life either on planets within our solar system or on the exoplanets that are now being identified exponentially. The early chapters cover the missions to planets and objects within our own solar system and the later part of the book is given over to the various observational missions looking beyond our little bit of the universe and back through space-time to the earliest observable point after the big bang. The enthusiasm of the authors is infectious and the book is written in such a way that it is easily accessible to the non-scientists among us. It is liberally illustrated with diagrams to help explain some of the concepts as well as pictures from Hubble and other observatories.
The authors start with a look at the Mars missions – the Viking and MER Rovers. They explain the technical marvels that got us there and contrast that with the extremely limited computing and camera facilities that were available, particularly on the Viking Rovers. While sadly the rovers have not found any little green men, they have found clear indications of water in the past and perhaps even still. We get to find out a little about the team behind the mission and how the information sent back changed how scientists thought about the conditions necessary to support life. The style is almost conversational and the authors very enjoyably anthropomorphise the robotic rovers, making this reader at least feel sorry for their little ‘broken arm’ and ‘limp’ – indeed, when one of the rovers finally ‘died’ (very bravely, I might add) I had to suppress a little tear!
The Voyager mission itself takes us first to Uranus and Jupiter before heading out beyond the edge of the solar system, while Cassini and Huygens study Saturn and its moons. As the journeys unfold, we are told how the power required to travel these distances is achieved through ‘gravity assist’ – using the gravity of the planets themselves as a kind of slingshot. The authors discuss how the real science of these missions inspired programmes like Star Trek and were in turn influenced by them. In fact, NASA used Nichelle Nicholls (Uhura) as a figurehead to inspire more women and minorities to enter the field.
The Stardust mission successfully captured dust from the tail of the Wild 2 comet. In this fascinating chapter, the authors explain how comets are seen as the bringers of life and also the harbingers of destruction. They explain in relatively simple terms that we are indeed stardust, as the song says. They remind us of the thrilling pictures of Shoemaker-Levy 9 crashing into Jupiter and how those images encouraged the US government to authorise NASA to monitor possible comet threats to Earth. As well as particles from Wild 2, Stardust also captured particles from the surrounding space, and the authors explain how ‘open science’ projects have been used to involve the public in locating these tiny, sparse particles in the aerogel that trapped them. And we are told that we have the technology to ‘capture’ comets into Earth orbit should we choose and use them for mining precious metals or also as a means to provide a lift off point and all the fuel required for future space missions. Apparently although international law prevents states from claiming ownership of comets or asteroids, a loophole means that the same does not apply to individuals…
‘A small world might seem limiting, but think of the pleasure in owning a world the size of a small town and surveying the domain like a colossus. The gravity of Wild 2 is so weak you would literally be as light as a feather. A small push and you could escape your world and sail into deep space. And think of the glittering minerals – a hoard magnificent enough to power all the dreams ever dreamed.’
The later chapters cover the observational missions – SOHO, Hipparcos, Spitzer, Chandra, Hubble and WMAP. These missions have expanded our knowledge of the universe and shed light on its origins, confirming some of the theories that had been posited while forcing re-evaluation of others. At the same time, they are daily discovering exoplanets that may be able to support life. The authors take us back through the history of cosmology from its earliest days and bring us up to date on the current theories, clearly differentiating between what is known and what has not yet been proved. We hear of the amazing technology behind these missions, the people who in some cases have spent an entire career on them, and what they have taught us. The near-disasters are covered too – the early days of the Hubble mission dogged by technical problems which led to some of the most inspiring spacewalks to date. This whole section is much more science-heavy and I struggled a few times to really grasp the concepts, but not often – on the whole, the authors were able to simplify to a level that allowed me to follow along.
A very accessible and hugely inspiring book – inspirational not just about the sheer glory of the universe, but about the amazing people who are allowing us to learn about it through them. The concluding chapter looks ahead to the exciting future missions that are on the horizon, as well as some that have already begun – the possibility of bringing samples back from Mars, better studies of Jupiter’s moons, and observational missions to discover ‘first light’ and investigate the theory of ‘inflation’ following the big bang; and of course the continuing search for extraterrestrial life. Stirring stuff! If you have even the smallest amount of geekiness in your soul, I heartily recommend this to you.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Princeton University Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
Last week, NASA announced that Voyager 1, launched 36 years ago, has finally left our solar system and entered interstellar space. A mind-blowing achievement which will allow scientists to confirm some of their theories and expectations of what we will find beyond the reach of our Sun. But Voyager, impressive though it is, is only one of the amazing journeys we are making into space, some with great fanfares and trumpets, like the Mars Rovers expeditions, some less well known but no less important and inspiring for the information they send back. In this book, the authors tell us about eleven of these missions, what scientists have learned from them and how they have impacted on the popular imagination and culture.
The main thrust of the book is on the search for conditions suitable for life either on planets within our solar system or on the exoplanets that are now being identified exponentially. The early chapters cover the missions to planets and objects within our own solar system and the later part of the book is given over to the various observational missions looking beyond our little bit of the universe and back through space-time to the earliest observable point after the big bang. The enthusiasm of the authors is infectious and the book is written in such a way that it is easily accessible to the non-scientists among us. It is liberally illustrated with diagrams to help explain some of the concepts as well as pictures from Hubble and other observatories.
The authors start with a look at the Mars missions – the Viking and MER Rovers. They explain the technical marvels that got us there and contrast that with the extremely limited computing and camera facilities that were available, particularly on the Viking Rovers. While sadly the rovers have not found any little green men, they have found clear indications of water in the past and perhaps even still. We get to find out a little about the team behind the mission and how the information sent back changed how scientists thought about the conditions necessary to support life. The style is almost conversational and the authors very enjoyably anthropomorphise the robotic rovers, making this reader at least feel sorry for their little ‘broken arm’ and ‘limp’ – indeed, when one of the rovers finally ‘died’ (very bravely, I might add) I had to suppress a little tear!
The Voyager mission itself takes us first to Uranus and Jupiter before heading out beyond the edge of the solar system, while Cassini and Huygens study Saturn and its moons. As the journeys unfold, we are told how the power required to travel these distances is achieved through ‘gravity assist’ – using the gravity of the planets themselves as a kind of slingshot. The authors discuss how the real science of these missions inspired programmes like Star Trek and were in turn influenced by them. In fact, NASA used Nichelle Nicholls (Uhura) as a figurehead to inspire more women and minorities to enter the field.
The Stardust mission successfully captured dust from the tail of the Wild 2 comet. In this fascinating chapter, the authors explain how comets are seen as the bringers of life and also the harbingers of destruction. They explain in relatively simple terms that we are indeed stardust, as the song says. They remind us of the thrilling pictures of Shoemaker-Levy 9 crashing into Jupiter and how those images encouraged the US government to authorise NASA to monitor possible comet threats to Earth. As well as particles from Wild 2, Stardust also captured particles from the surrounding space, and the authors explain how ‘open science’ projects have been used to involve the public in locating these tiny, sparse particles in the aerogel that trapped them. And we are told that we have the technology to ‘capture’ comets into Earth orbit should we choose and use them for mining precious metals or also as a means to provide a lift off point and all the fuel required for future space missions. Apparently although international law prevents states from claiming ownership of comets or asteroids, a loophole means that the same does not apply to individuals…
‘A small world might seem limiting, but think of the pleasure in owning a world the size of a small town and surveying the domain like a colossus. The gravity of Wild 2 is so weak you would literally be as light as a feather. A small push and you could escape your world and sail into deep space. And think of the glittering minerals – a hoard magnificent enough to power all the dreams ever dreamed.’
The later chapters cover the observational missions – SOHO, Hipparcos, Spitzer, Chandra, Hubble and WMAP. These missions have expanded our knowledge of the universe and shed light on its origins, confirming some of the theories that had been posited while forcing re-evaluation of others. At the same time, they are daily discovering exoplanets that may be able to support life. The authors take us back through the history of cosmology from its earliest days and bring us up to date on the current theories, clearly differentiating between what is known and what has not yet been proved. We hear of the amazing technology behind these missions, the people who in some cases have spent an entire career on them, and what they have taught us. The near-disasters are covered too – the early days of the Hubble mission dogged by technical problems which led to some of the most inspiring spacewalks to date. This whole section is much more science-heavy and I struggled a few times to really grasp the concepts, but not often – on the whole, the authors were able to simplify to a level that allowed me to follow along.
A very accessible and hugely inspiring book – inspirational not just about the sheer glory of the universe, but about the amazing people who are allowing us to learn about it through them. The concluding chapter looks ahead to the exciting future missions that are on the horizon, as well as some that have already begun – the possibility of bringing samples back from Mars, better studies of Jupiter’s moons, and observational missions to discover ‘first light’ and investigate the theory of ‘inflation’ following the big bang; and of course the continuing search for extraterrestrial life. Stirring stuff! If you have even the smallest amount of geekiness in your soul, I heartily recommend this to you.
NB This book was provided for review by the publisher, Princeton University Press.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
August 4, 2018
If you're like me, and you think that the billions of dollars that could and likely will be spent trying to pointlessly send people to Mars could be better used on the poor and ailing, you probably find the robotic exploration of the universe fascinating. This is probably one of the best books you're going to find on the subject.
Impey, who is an honest-to-god scientist, details for layfolks, all the unmanned missions we've undertaken, from Viking to the just-delayed again Webb telescope. We've used robots to explore Mars, Jupiter, Saturn (don't forget Uranus), as well as to survey the entire known universe. Most exciting, is the search for exoplanets which now number well into the thousands with cutting edge mechanisms for looking for biology well underway.
Impey talks about the missions and he talks about the science without getting the reader bogged down in abstruse, technical things (my eyes only glazed over once), but, most importantly, he highlights how citizen-scientists, volunteers like you and me, have contributed to data sifting and analysis right from their very own computers. So, the big bonus here and the takeaway is, we can all get involved in game-changing science en masse, on the cheap, and as a part of a commonality in a great, big, uncaring universe.
Impey, who is an honest-to-god scientist, details for layfolks, all the unmanned missions we've undertaken, from Viking to the just-delayed again Webb telescope. We've used robots to explore Mars, Jupiter, Saturn (don't forget Uranus), as well as to survey the entire known universe. Most exciting, is the search for exoplanets which now number well into the thousands with cutting edge mechanisms for looking for biology well underway.
Impey talks about the missions and he talks about the science without getting the reader bogged down in abstruse, technical things (my eyes only glazed over once), but, most importantly, he highlights how citizen-scientists, volunteers like you and me, have contributed to data sifting and analysis right from their very own computers. So, the big bonus here and the takeaway is, we can all get involved in game-changing science en masse, on the cheap, and as a part of a commonality in a great, big, uncaring universe.
September 22, 2017
This book covers the exploration of Mars, the exploration of our solar system and beyond by the Voyagers, the voyage to Saturn and its moons by Cassini, voyage to Wild comet Stardust, the observation of Sun by SOHO satellite, mapping the Milky Way by the Hipparcos and Gaia missions, scanning the skies with Spitzer infra-red telescope, the microwave exploration of the cosmic background radiation by the COBE, WMAP and Planc’s probes, and finally exploration of cosmos in X-Rays by Chandra. Very informative and interestingly written.
December 31, 2018
Covers the history of eleven different unmanned missions; some are well-known--such as the Mars rovers, and the Voyagers--some are less well known, such as Hipparcos or Stardust. However, for each mission the authors explain very well the importance of each mission and what each mission's data says about the universe. Interspersed are cultural effects of the missions--ranging from their influence on electronic music, to how the missions were influenced by Star Trek. Sometimes these digressions seem very tangential, but they are always interesting.
May 24, 2018
Very well written. Converting a dense topic with scientific details to a a story of poetic grace is no easy task, but it was done well.
The book details among the most important unmanned space vehicles sent out into space. They include the Mars rovers( Opportunity, Discovery and Curiosity),Viking, Voyager 1 and 2, Cassini, Stardust, SOHO, Hipparcos, Spitzer, Chandra, Hubble, WMAP and the upcoming James Webb telescope.
The backstories behind each mission is an exciting read for all.
The book details among the most important unmanned space vehicles sent out into space. They include the Mars rovers( Opportunity, Discovery and Curiosity),Viking, Voyager 1 and 2, Cassini, Stardust, SOHO, Hipparcos, Spitzer, Chandra, Hubble, WMAP and the upcoming James Webb telescope.
The backstories behind each mission is an exciting read for all.
September 14, 2021
Great book to get an introduction to space telescopes
This book by Chris Impey is very well written and contains a great introduction to the value of Space based telescopes. There is also a great bibliography for anyone desiring a deeper discussion of any of the concepts presented.
I’ve taken two of Dr. Impey’s Coursera courses and have enjoyed his lectures. His writing style is easy to read.
This book by Chris Impey is very well written and contains a great introduction to the value of Space based telescopes. There is also a great bibliography for anyone desiring a deeper discussion of any of the concepts presented.
I’ve taken two of Dr. Impey’s Coursera courses and have enjoyed his lectures. His writing style is easy to read.
January 26, 2017
This book covers a lot of ground, but as a result there is very little depth, so it is more suited to someone who is new to space exploration. If you have followed the various projects you will not find very much that is new.
I found the writing style rather dry, and as one of the authors is a professor of English I was disappointed by a number of spelling and grammatical mistakes, and poor English, for example "A bacteria" instead of bacterium, and "comprised of" instead of comprising. And on one page it says "...he could replace the liquid inside a jam jar without producing any shrinkage" - what does that mean?
So rather disappointing, but would be useful for someone who wants an overview of the subject.
I found the writing style rather dry, and as one of the authors is a professor of English I was disappointed by a number of spelling and grammatical mistakes, and poor English, for example "A bacteria" instead of bacterium, and "comprised of" instead of comprising. And on one page it says "...he could replace the liquid inside a jam jar without producing any shrinkage" - what does that mean?
So rather disappointing, but would be useful for someone who wants an overview of the subject.
September 9, 2016
A book concerning the history, science and philosophy behind some of the more prominent unmanned space missions: Voyager, the mars rovers, COBE, WMAP and others. Written jointly by an astronomer and an English professor it provides insights from two different perspectives; a good concept but for me the two styles didn't quite gel. Still, all-in-all an interesting read.
April 7, 2023
Brilliant ! A well thought out and sufficiently detailed overview of space mission past and present, with some clearly identified suggestions of missions yet to be. Engrossing,knowledgable but without the deep science technospeak which might otherwise limit this books appeal to a wider audience.
Recommended.
Recommended.
August 26, 2014
I learned a lot from this book on unmanned space missions (including space telescopes). It has a lot of current information on space science and technology, and is easy to read without being dumbed-down. The many notes (60 pages of them) are somewhat of a challenge.
May 5, 2014
Excellent overview of several key unmanned space probes. The bibliographic notes provide a wealth of sources for individuals seeking more information.
Want to read
October 5, 2013WSJ 10/5/13
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews