The Planet Factory: Exoplanets and the Search for a Second Earth - Softcover

Elizabeth Tasker is an astrophysicist specializing in computational models of how stars and planets form in our galaxy. After a degree in theoretical physics, she went on to complete her doctorate at Oxford before post-doctoral research at Columbia University and the University of Florida in the United States, and McMaster University in Canada. She currently works at the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency as an associate professor.

Elizabeth has been a keen science communicator for many years, dating back to winning the Daily Telegraph Young Science Writers Award in 1999. Since then she has written blogs for Scientific American and Astronomy Magazine, as well as blogs on sites that include Nautilus, the Conversation, and space.com.

“An irresistible subject, and readers will find Tasker's richly detailed account entirely satisfactory.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Tasker entertains as she engagingly expounds on the menagerie of exoplanets, both basic and bizarre.” ―Publishers Weekly

“If you've always been intrigued by extrasolar planets - or even if you haven't! - you'll want to move this book to the top of your reading list.” ―Sky & Telescope

“Detailed yet accessible and cheerful, and based on the latest findings, Tasker's made-for-science-geeks narrative presents the nearly limitless configurations and compositions ofstars, planets, and moons.” ―Dan Kaplan, Booklist

“Packed with interesting insights and scientific content that capably captures the current state of exoplanet research.” ―Sky at Night

“Brilliantly written ... Tasker highlights how difficult the hunt for planets is. I highly recommend this book.” ―Louisa Preston, Physics World

“This splendidly readable and authoritative book succeeds at the near-impossible task of explaining all you need to know about the revolutionary and fast-moving scientific field that's seeking out these new worlds and what may be lurking on them.” ―Caleb Scharf, Directory of Astrobiology, Columbia University

“Elizabeth Tasker is the perfect guide in this astronomical adventure story; she brings the world's leading planet hunters vividly to life and demystifies the crucial technical details of the research with impressive clarity and a light, engaging touch.” ―Michael D. Lemonick, Chief Opinion Editor at Scientific American and the author of Mirror Earth: The Search for Our Planet's Twin

“In a lively science narrative spiced with a sly humour, Elizabeth Tasker makes learning about the planets of our Solar System and beyond into a rich and rewarding pleasure.” ―Marc Kaufman, author of First Contact and Mars Up Close, and founder of NASA'S online column 'Many Worlds'

“. . . accessible, clear, and complete.” ―Jennifer Carson, Science