Back to the Moon

“A stirring case for permanent habitation of the lunar surface.”—Steven Poole, Wall Street Journal “Silk does a great job of summing up why the Moon should be important to humanity as a platform for science of all sorts. But the crux of “Back to the Moon” is really Silk’s clarion call of humanity to actualize its astronomical potential… . In his timely book, Silk makes a strong and important case for a robust return to the Moon for science.”—Bruce Dorminey, Forbes“An enthusiastic account of the future of space exploration, and specifically the role of the Moon in it… . The scope of Silk’s survey is impressive… . [Silk’s] enthusiasm and accessible explanations bring the high-altitude thought experiments down to earth. Readers dreaming of civilizations in space will find plenty to consider.” * Publishers Weekly *“This riveting work by accomplished astrophysicist Silk examines the exciting possibilities of returning to the moon… . [Silk] employs engaging, lively prose, which will appeal to a wide range of readers.” * Library Journal *“Back to the Moon excites and inspires with its stunning suggestions for what the next fifty years of lunar exploration might entail, and it advocates for the primacy of science over politics and profit.”—Kristine Morris, Foreword Reviews“Impassioned… . Silk puts forward intriguing ideas.” * Kirkus Reviews *“While the book is suitable for those starting out in their quest to learn and understand the possibilities of lunar exploration, it will also appeal to those more experienced reader requiring an up-to-date account. Perfect for readers at any level, Back to the Moon will satiate the most curious of minds.”—Katrin Raynor, BBC Sky at Night”[The] book is going to hit a wide public audience and is in part mind-boggling … it’s impossible not to be caught up in the fizzing scientific curiosity that drives the book’s narrative.”—Richard Lofthouse, Quad“The exploitation of the Moon in the next decade should be of wide general interest and this book will help inform that.”—Peredur Williams, The Observatory

Joseph Silk is Bloomberg Research Professor at Johns Hopkins University and a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics in Paris and the Beecroft Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology at the University of Oxford. His many books include The Big Bang, The Infinite Cosmos: Questions from the Frontiers of Cosmology, and On the Shores of the Unknown: A Short History of the Universe. He lives in Paris.