Daydreaming in the Solar System: Lassonde professor prepares to publish a cosmic story of science and imagination

John Moores, associate professor in the Earth & Space Science & Engineering department at York University’s Lassonde School of Engineering and formerly the Science Advisor to the President of the Canadian Space Agency, is gearing up to release his first book, Daydreaming in the Solar System. Scheduled to be published on October 22, this adventurous collection of stories aims to ignite curiosity and encourage readers to explore the wonders of outer space.

“This book was written to inspire,” says Professor Moores. “We want to open a door to our solar system by communicating on a human level.”

Co-authored with Jesse Rogerson, assistant professor in the Faculty of Science, and illustrated by scientific artist Michelle Parsons, an undergraduate student in Biology at York and a professional engineer, Daydreaming in the Solar System, is not simply a work of fiction, but a blend of scientific accuracy and creative storytelling.

The narratives follow the personal exploration of future planetary inhabitants. While connecting with readers through familiar activities, they are simultaneously transported to out-of-this-world landscapes – think, hiking on distant planets or golfing on the moon.

“We wanted to create a story that could not be found elsewhere – something that incorporates the excitement of science fiction but remains true to what we know about the environments of our family of planets,” explains Professor Moores.

From exploring what it would be like to garden on asteroids or make a morning coffee on faraway planets, this book covers diverse topics related to space exploration and celestial bodies, informed by expert knowledge and data gathered by robotic probes over the past 62 years.

The University-wide collaboration involved in creating this story underscores the institution’s commitment to outreach and community education. By combining their expertise in science and engineering, the authors strive to engage diverse audiences worldwide.

“I hope this book will encourage young people to consider career paths in STEAM,” says Professor Moores. “Space is a great gateway that gets people interested in other related fields. When I was younger, I always enjoyed science fiction and looking at the night sky. When I pursued planetary science and discovered I could also apply my engineering background – I just loved it, I found the right thing for me.”

Through this imaginative yet scientifically-rooted narrative, Professor Moores and his colleagues aim to kindle a passion for space and other scientific studies, reaching enthusiasts and aspiring scientists alike. Daydreaming in the Solar System represents a commitment to sharing knowledge, inspiring future generations and showcasing the multidisciplinary expertise at Lassonde and York.

Daydreaming in the Solar System is published by the MIT Press and distributed by Penguin Random House Canada. Pre-order your copy at Indigo or Amazon!