Galileo and Kepler dreamed of the possibility of space exploration, although its reality was later underappreciated and even challenged by social, ideological, and scientific critics as a diversion from our problems on Earth. The Dimming of Starlight tells the fascinating stories of how space exploration places us in unusual situations that force us to come up with new ideas about nature. This strong connection between scientific exploration and scientific change makes us aware of a new panorama of problems, dangers, and opportunities that leads to new solutions and technologies that would have been unimaginable under old perspectives. Thus, the exploration of Venus led to the discovery of the destruction of Earth's Ozone layer. This discovery will save hundreds of millions of lives in the coming centuries. As we explore space, we learn to protect our planet from catastrophe, and all the while we change drastically our ideas about the nature of the universe. With its account of serendipity and splendor, the book invites readers on an exciting journey in which, step by step, we are shown the crucial importance of space exploration for humanity.

About the Author
Gonzalo Munevar, UC Berkeley Ph.D., is a Professor Emeritus at Lawrence Technological University. His main research interests are experimental neuroscience, space exploration, evolutionary biology, and philosophy of science. He continues to perform research on bipolar disorder and consciousness, think about space exploration, and write literature.

Reviews
A handful of philosophers can write effectively for a broad audience. The same holds true for scientists. Gonzalo Munevar can do both, showing an audience that has little prior knowledge of either philosophy or space exploration why both fields are important, and how these seemingly disparate enterprises can work together to help us decide how aggressively to pursue some of the greatest mysteries we face today." - Douglas Vakoch, President, METI International
There is no doubt that in the third decade of the 21st century, the idea of advanced and long-term space exploration, especially human missions, requires a wise and comprehensive justification. Such wise and comprehensive justification is an extremely difficult art. Repeating general cliches today is no longer enough. This art of philosophical, in-depth justification for space exploration has been perfectly succeeded by Gonzalo Munevar." - Konrad Szocik, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow



Book Information
ISBN 9780197689912
Author Gonzalo Munevar
Format Hardback
Page Count 312
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 630g
Dimensions(mm) 165mm * 236mm * 25mm