“The number of planets in our galaxy on which a technological civilization is now in being is roughly 530,000”

A bold statement, but one which Asimov supports with highly convincing evidence. Ever since the concept of other worlds was put forward in the fifth century B.C., scientists have struggled to answer that eternal question:

“Are we alone ?”

Asimov here covers many fascinating aspects in his analysis of the universe – interstellar flight, the origins of life, messages to outer space, space exploration, the solar system – and gradually reaches his conclusions that are as convincing as they are fantastic.

The fact is, we are not alone – it’s just a matter of time before we can communicate with the nearest civilizations which undoubtedly exist.