Infinite worlds

In the past ten years, fast-paced developments in astronomy have revealed over 140 extrasolar planets--with more discoveries on the way. The newly discovered planets boggle astronomers' minds with their bizarre characteristics, including an unimagined diversity of sizes and orbits. Though it will be years before we have direct images of these far-flung worlds, this lavishly illustrated book gives us an idea of what they might look like. It brings together Lynette Cook's renowned astronomical artwork, dramatic images from top observatories, and scientific findings on subjects ranging from the big bang and stellar evolution to a possible universe filled with countless planets and life forms.--From publisher description.