- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
- Publication Date: March 19, 2024
- Author: Dante Lauretta
- Genre: Biographies & Memoirs | Nonfiction (Adult) | Science
- Page Count: 336
Blurb
A “captivating, behind-the-scenes account” of NASA’s historic OSIRIS-REx mission to return an asteroid sample and unlock the mystery of formation on life on earth braided with the remarkable life story of the mission’s leader, Dr. Dante Lauretta (Sara Seager).
On September 11, 1999, humanity made a monumental discovery in the vastness of space. Scientists uncovered an asteroid of immense scientific importance—a colossal celestial entity. As massive as an aircraft carrier and towering as high as the iconic Empire State Building, this cosmic titan was later named Bennu. Remarkable for much more than its size, Bennu belonged to a rare breed of asteroids capable of revealing the essence of life itself. But just as Bennu became a beacon of promise, researchers identified a grave danger. Hurtling through space, it threatens to collide with our planet on September 24, 2182.
Leading the expedition was Dr. Dante Lauretta, the Principal Investigator of NASA’s audacious OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Sample Return Mission. Tasked with unraveling Bennu’s mysteries, his team embarked on a daring quest to retrieve a precious sample from the asteroid’s surface — one that held the potential to not only unlock the secrets of life’s origins but also to avert an unprecedented catastrophe.
A tale of destiny and danger, The Asteroid Hunter chronicles the high-stakes mission firsthand, narrated by Dr. Lauretta. It offers readers an intimate glimpse into the riveting exploits of the mission and Dr. Lauretta’s wild, winding personal journey to Bennu and back. Peeling back the curtain on the wonders of the cosmos, this enthralling account promises a rare glimpse into the tightly woven fabric of scientific exploration, where technical precision converges with humanity’s profound curiosity and indominable spirit.
My Thoughts & Opinions
The Asteroid Hunter is author Dante Lauretta’s autobiography that chronicles his life’s work and experience in hunting and tracking Bennu. A formidable asteroid as large as an aircraft carrier, and as tall as the Empire State Building.
The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the scientific development, and exploration of the universe. In particular, how the earth came to be.
By sampling and studying asteroids with similar biological markers as earth, Lauretta and his team of scientists hope to discover earth’s origins, and determine if there could be other biologic lifeforms, or at least attempt to determine the origins of earth and its inhabitants.
There is a lot of scientific and technical language. But since I have a keen interest in STEM, I managed to glean a lot of information and the whole process intrigued me. And because most of the research is conducted in my home state of Arizona, I was even more fascinated.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book even though the research isn’t finalized yet. The samplings from the asteroid still has to make it back to earth for testing and further study. But for what has been written thus far, the book has exceeded my expectations. Five stars.
I received a DRC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. This review is completely my own and reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.
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