With a stellar cast of scientists and science fictionists alike, a vivid exploration of realities behind imaginary planets.
 
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to watch a double sunset on Tatooine, stand among the sand dunes of Arrakis, or gaze at the gas-giant planet Polyphemus from the moon Pandora? In Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact, Keith Cooper explores the fictional planets from films such as Star Wars, Dune, and Avatar, and discusses how realistic they are based on our current scientific understanding and astronomical observations. The real exoplanets astronomers are now discovering are truly stranger than fiction, as the author shows. Featuring insights from over a dozen scientists and award-winning science-fiction authors, including Charlie Jane Anders, Stephen Baxter, and Alastair Reynolds, Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Science Fact is perfect for readers of popular science and fans of science fiction.

Keith Cooper is a science journalist who has written for New Scientist, Physics World, Sky & Telescope, Space.com, and Supercluster, among others. He has a degree in physics with astrophysics from the University of Manchester and has edited Astronomy Now magazine for nearly twenty years. His books include The Contact Paradox.

1 Strange, New Worlds
2 Home Away From Home
3 Lands of Sand
4 Ocean Worlds
5 Worlds of Always Winter
6 The Worlds of Always-Day and Always-Night
7 Lands of the Rising Suns
8 Exomoons
9 Weird Worlds
10 Ecumenopolises
Epilogue

Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index