Signs of life on distant planets could be easier to detect than previously thought

The space vehicle spectaculars of recent years have been revealing the full scope and beauty of our own solar system but have also shown that a growing number of other stars too have planetary bodies orbiting around them. The study of these systems is just beginning. It seems that our galaxy contains untold numbers of planets, and presumably other galaxies will be similar to our own. Our solar system contains life, on Earth: do others as well? Such questions excite modern planetary scientists and astro-biologists. This situation is a far cry from ancient times when the five planets that can be seen from Earth without a telescope were called the "wandering stars". This notebook-cum-workbook provides an introduction to those profound and still-developing modern studies. Written by an expert in the field, it is pitched at a level suitable for beginning students. It is designed particularly for self-study but can also provide background support for students attending lecture courses or teachers developing such courses. The reader is encouraged to add to the arguments of the book as the subject develops. A special feature here is a substantial glossary of terms and people which serves as a starting point for further entries. Wandering Stars is a key to unlock the door to an exciting and fascinating universe which is still the object of active discovery.

First optical image of an exoplanet. "Two teams of astronomers are independently claiming to have the first ever images of planets in orbit around a star other than the Sun — with pictures from one team showing three planet-like bodies orbiting a distant star." Chaucer