An intimate history of Earth and the quest for life beyond the solar system traces the discoveries of thousands of "exoplanets" throughout the past two years, including some with Earth-like characteristics that could possibly support life.

Looking for longevity -- Drake's orchids -- A fractured empire -- The worth of a world -- After the gold rush -- The big picture -- Out of equilibrium -- Aberrations of the light -- The order of the null -- Into the barren lands.