Beyond the Stars - Astronomy in the 21st Century

We live in a golden age of cosmic discovery. From Galileo's first telescope to the James Webb Space Telescope, humanity's view of the Universe has expanded beyond imagination. Beyond the Stars: Astronomy in the 21st Century takes readers on a breathtaking journey through the latest frontiers of space science - exploring new worlds, black holes, galaxies and the ultimate fate of the cosmos. You'll discover how planets form and die, how black holes reshape space and time, how dark energy accelerates the Universe's expansion and how telescopes powered by AI and quantum technology are transforming what we can see. From the icy moons of our Solar System to the search for life on distant exoplanets, this book reveals the interconnected story of matter, life and consciousness - and humanity's unfolding role as the Universe becomes aware of itself. Written for readers of all backgrounds, Beyond the Stars bridges the gap between scientific insight and cosmic wonder. It's both a reference and a reflection - a guidebook for the 21st-century sky, and a meditation on what it means to be alive in a universe that continues to surprise us at every turn.