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Worlds Unnumbered: The Search for Extrasolar Planets


by Donald Goldsmith
by Jon Lomberg

List Price: $28.50
7 New starting at: $3.69
31 Used starting at: $0.01
Sales Rank: 1559181
Studio: University Science Books
Binding: Hardcover
Number Of Pages: 237
Publication Date: December 31, 1969
Publisher: University Science Books


EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Amazon.com
Only a few years ago, astronomers were uncertain whether planets might orbit stars other than the sun. In the past few years, though, the experimental data has practically rushed in. In Worlds Unnumbered, Donald Goldsmith explains exactly how astronomers reached their conclusions, what their findings imply for the model that predicts formation of our own solar system, and whether the new findings give us any further data on the probability that life exists elsewhere in the universe (or its preponderance if it does). Goldsmith succeeds not only in describing the search for extrasolar planets, but also in conveying a feel for all the factors that contribute to the enormously complex, yet clock-like, motions of the bodies in the universe.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 5 reviews)

Worlds Unnumbered:the search 4 a good book  
Worlds Unnumbered: the search for Extrasolar Planets is a very interesting, informative, and fun to read book. Donald Goldsmith educates the reader with knowledge about how to find planets and what needs to be present for life to exist. The characteristics of many stars and planets are given in great detail. Numerous methods of searching for planets are considered, all point toward the future for being able to locate planets with life. This book was easy to understand because Donald Goldsmith went into great depth describing the terms, so that anyone could understand.
In conclusion, I would highly recomend Donald Goldsmith's Worlds Unnumbered: the search for extrasolar planets to anyone with even a slight interest in astronomy. I enjoyed this book and you will most likely too. So buy it or rent it now.
January 18, 2005

Very Informative  
Worlds Unnumbered is a factual book about planets that orbit other suns in our galaxy. It talks about the possibility of life on these planets as well as how they were formed. Planets that orbit other stars are very hard to find and require the most up to date technology. Many planets found by scientists are very puzzling, because they either are extraordinarily large, or they are very close to their respective star, or a little bit of both. Most planets found are either below waters freezing point, or above the boiling point. This tells us that if these planets harbor life, they must live off of some other liquid compound than water. This opens up many other doors for us, such as, the search for other liquid compounds. If we can find one, we will be able to expand the possibility of life on other planets. Before 1995, we didn't even know planets existed outside our solar system. Once the first one was found, however, many others followed. Scientists searched day in and day out for them, and all their has paid off. The exploration of our universe is well underway.
January 04, 2005

Good book  
This was a good book, but the part about how they find planets was too confusing.
October 21, 1999

EXCELLENT strong case on conditions for planetary systems  
This book takes the reader through a clear systematic explanation of the basics about extrasolar planets and the conditions for their development and survival as well as the fundimentals for the development of any form of life. Now missing latest discoveries this is still a must read for anyone interested in the nature of possible life in the universe or those who like to debate the probabilities of life on other planets without a full picture of the issues for planetary formation let alone the those for possible life. This book fulfilled all my expectations and gives an excellent range of general information and science surrounding the whole topic of extrasolar planets
July 01, 1998

Excellent, readable explanation of the search for planets  
A good read, explaining the current search for planets around other suns. Goldsmith takes on the questions most people ask, and carries you along the journey in a chatty, readable manner that maintains your interest. This book has a good balance between technical explanation, and simple prose, that should satisfy anyone looking for an all round explanation of the search for other planets. It leaves you positively excited about what will come up in the future.
June 07, 1998
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