Smallest Lights In The Universe

The Smallest Lights in the Universe is a memoir by MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager, who lost her first husband to cancer and found solace in her search for an Earth-like exoplanet and new love. She also developed ground-breaking projects, such as the Starshade, and discovered the alien beauty of exoplanets and human connection.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 05 August 2021
\n Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
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In her captivating memoir, The Smallest Lights in the Universe, MIT astrophysicist Sara Seager intertwines the deeply personal journey of her search for meaning and solace in the wake of losing her first husband to cancer, alongside her unwavering pursuit of finding an Earth-like exoplanet and the unexpected blossoming of new love.

Sara Seager's life has been dedicated to exploring the vast expanses surrounding stars, driven by her unwavering quest to discover exoplanets that possess the potential to sustain life. However, the untimely passing of her husband left her world in shambles, casting her into the role of a single mother of two young boys, a widow at the age of forty, and grappling with three crumpled pages of instructions—meticulously crafted by her late husband—for tasks like grocery shopping, which he had undertaken while she pursued groundbreaking work as a planetary scientist at MIT.

In the depths of her grief, Sara became painfully aware of her Asperger's syndrome, which had previously felt like mere background noise. She felt adrift, alone in the vast expanse of the universe. Yet, she refused to let her loss deter her from her scientific pursuits. Instead, she channeled her pain into developing groundbreaking projects, such as the Starshade, a sunflower-shaped instrument designed to block planet-obscuring starlight, offering a glimmer of hope for the exploration of distant worlds.

As Sara continued her work, she sought solace in the awe-inspiring beauty of exoplanets, marveling at their distant worlds and the mysteries they held. In this process, she also discovered the unexpected solace of human connection. Through the Widows of Concord, a group of women offering support and advice to those who have lost their spouses, Sara found a community of kindred spirits who understood the unique challenges of grief and loss. Her beloved sons, Max and Alex, became her pillars of strength, providing unwavering love and support during this difficult period.

But the most unexpected twist in Sara's journey came in the form of a one-in-a-billion match with an amateur astronomer. Equally captivated by the wonders of deep space and the intricacies of the human heart, they found solace and understanding in each other's company. Their connection blossomed, bridging the gap between science and emotion, and reminding Sara that love and connection can be found in the most unexpected places.

Through her memoir, Sara Seager invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning in the face of adversity. She shares her personal struggles, triumphs, and the profound lessons she has learned along the way. The Smallest Lights in the Universe is a testament to the human spirit's enduring power and the boundless possibilities that exist beyond our own planet.

\n Weight: 228g\n
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780008328283\n \n