Starfarers
Starfarers by Poul Anderson, published by Tom Doherty Associates in 1998, is a science fiction narrative that explores humanity’s quest for knowledge beyond Earth. This first edition spans 383 pages and presents a compelling tale centered on an expedition into the galaxy, prompted by the discovery of potential evidence of an advanced civilization. SETI astronomers observe “trails” in the sky, believed to be starships traveling at light speed, which ignites a scientific pursuit leading to the formation of an eclectic team of scientists ready to embark on a monumental journey.
Readers will find a story that delves into the complexities of exploration and the human spirit as the crew of the starship Envoy prepares for a mission that will take them 60,000 light-years away, with a round trip time of 120,000 years. The narrative examines themes of patience, courage, and the search for meaning in the vastness of space. As the crew confronts the unknown, they also grapple with the implications of their journey on their home planet. Starfarers offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of science fiction and the enduring human desire to understand our place in the universe.
Official synopsis Publisher
Poul Anderson, one of science fiction’s most treasured visionaries, returns with a new masterpiece. Starfarers is the story of an expedition into the far reaches of the galaxy, where answers to mankind’s greatest questions await. The saga begins when evidence of an advanced civilization is discovered by SETI astronomers. “Trails” observed in the sky are thought to be from starships traveling at the speed of light, an enigma that spurs scientific minds until this breakthrough is achieved by mankind as well. An expedition is then mounted and an eclectic team of scientists chosen to journey into the sector where the intelligent life is allegedly located. But because the destination of the starship, Envoy, and her crew is 60,000 light-years away, the time required to reach the point of origin of the signals and return is 120,000 years–longer than Homo sapiens has been on Earth. And though the crew is ready to face the ramifications of such a trek, no one is prepared for what awaits them at the outer edge of the cosmos–or back at the planet they once called home. Starfarers is a story of patience and immediacy, but most of all of courage. It is a saga for anyone who has ever felt the emptiness of life on Earth and found the missing substance in the spaces between the stars. Poul Anderson’s latest is the story of those who see the future in a clear night’s sky and are ready to journey into it armed with both insight and passion.
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