by Avi Loeb
First published 2021
Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb presents his theory that humanity encountered its first confirmed alien technology in 2017. When Hawaiian scientists detected an unusual object racing through our solar system, most dismissed it as a typical asteroid. Loeb examined the evidence and reached a different conclusion. The object moved too rapidly and followed an inexplicable trajectory. It produced no gas trail or debris typical of natural space rocks. Loeb argues these anomalies point to only one logical explanation: advanced extraterrestrial engineering. He walks readers through his scientific reasoning and addresses the skepticism from his colleagues. The book explores what this potential first contact means for human understanding of our place in the universe and how we should prepare for future encounters with alien civilizations.
Genres: science, science-fiction, non-fiction, aliens, astronomy, 21st-century
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, scientific-reasoning
Setting: Hawaii, Solar System
Period: 2017
240 pages · Hardcover · Mariner Books