A former Kepler-mission scientist details the groundbreaking discoveries of thousands of exoplanets, revealing a stunning diversity of celestial bodies and challenging our understanding of planetary systems. The book is informative, if sometimes technical, and offers an insider view on the science and politics of a NASA mission. I enjoyed the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

A fascinating study of space. Dr. Jason Steffen, a former scientist on NASA's Kepler mission, explains the Kepler missions and findings. The book begins with the history of space prior to the Kepler missions, from the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1992, and using a spectrograph measuring Doppler effect to study stars. The book takes us through the entirety of mission from Kepler’s first light in 2009 to its last light on September 25, 2018.

This is nonfiction and contains a lot of scientific data and can be a lot to ingest. I did enjoy reading this in smaller increments and was able to learn a lot about how scientists study and examine space.

Jason Steffen provides an inside view of Keppler, NASA's mission to find exoplanets. From the conception of the research that necessitated Keppler, the quest to get funding for a project this expensive, the technical specifications, the scientific basis of the observation methods, to the difficulties in collecting, filtering, and communicating the data, this is an easily understandable and interesting retrospective on one of NASA's most important recent missions.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Jason Steffen’s Hidden in the Heavens is a fascinating deep dive into the groundbreaking discoveries of the Kepler Mission, narrated with captivating clarity by Perry Daniels. This audiobook offers an insider’s perspective on one of NASA’s most ambitious projects, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and engaging for listeners.

Perry Daniels’ narration is a highlight of this audiobook. His articulate and expressive delivery brings Steffen’s detailed account to life, making the scientific content both understandable and intriguing. Daniels’ pacing is perfect, allowing listeners to absorb the wealth of information without feeling overwhelmed. His ability to convey the excitement and significance of the Kepler Mission’s discoveries adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the listening experience.

Steffen, a former scientist on the Kepler Mission, provides a comprehensive overview of the mission’s objectives, challenges, and triumphs. The book is well-structured, guiding listeners through the journey from the mission’s inception to its groundbreaking discoveries. Steffen’s writing is clear and engaging, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. The narrative is enriched with personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights, offering a unique glimpse into the world of space exploration.

Hidden in the Heavens explores themes of discovery, curiosity, and the quest for knowledge. Steffen delves into the profound implications of the Kepler Mission’s findings, which have reshaped our understanding of planetary systems and the potential for life beyond Earth. The book also highlights the collaborative nature of scientific endeavors, showcasing the dedication and ingenuity of the Kepler team.

The Kepler Mission’s discoveries have had a significant impact on the field of astronomy, revealing the existence of thousands of exoplanets and challenging our preconceived notions about planetary systems. Steffen’s account underscores the importance of scientific exploration and the continuous quest for knowledge. This audiobook is not only informative but also inspiring, reminding listeners of the boundless possibilities that lie beyond our own planet.

Hidden in the Heavens is a must-listen for anyone interested in astronomy, space exploration, or the scientific process. Steffen’s insightful writing, combined with Daniels’ engaging narration, makes for a compelling and educational audiobook. Whether you’re a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this audiobook offers a captivating journey through one of the most significant space missions of our time.

With all the discoveries that the James Webb telescope has brought in a few months, it is easy to forget how much NASA’s Kepler mission taught us about the universe. When I was a child, the word exoplanets didn’t exist, and other planetary systems were the stuff of science fiction. Kepler changed all that, showing us how many other worlds there are out there (including a binary system that might look like Tatooine!). The author was part of this project from its inception, and shares many insights in this book. I enjoyed the explanation of the different configurations and theories of formation of stars and planets, as well as the short historical overview that goes from our staring at little pinpricks of light that we couldn’t explain, to finding possible life-sustaining planets. The technical aspects of the telescope were a little drier, but still interesting. Perry Daniels is a good choice to narrate this book, since his cadence makes the material fun. I found particularly fascinating the politics of NASA and how scientists got their projects approved. Steffen doesn’t shy away from the mistakes that were made and what they learned from them. It is also interesting to learn how Kepler’s mission was different from other projects. There is a bit about the possibility of life somewhere else in the universe, but it is not a big part of the book. For space lovers.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/HighBridge Audio.