For 4.6 billion years our living planet has been alone in a vast and silent universe. But soon, Earth's isolation could come to an end. Over the past two decades, astronomers have discovered thousands of planets orbiting other stars. Some of these exoplanets may be mirror images of our own world. And more are being found all the time. Science journalist Lee Billings explores the 'exoplanet boom' through in-depth reporting and interviews with the astronomers at its forefront. As star-gazing scientists come closer to learning the truth, their insights are proving ever more crucial to understanding life's intricate mysteries and possibilities right here on Earth. Billings emphasizes that the quest for other Earth-like planets is not only a scientific pursuit but also a reflection of our own culture's timeless hopes and fears. 'In this elegant book, Billings writes with energy and brilliance about a big question, possibly the biggest of all; Are we all alone in the universe or are there other forms of life out there somewhere?'