Stories by Ian Crawford

IAN CRAWFORD is an astronomer in the department of physics and astronomy at University College London. His research interests mostly concern the study of interstellar and circumstellar environments, including circumstellar disks thought to be forming planets. He believes that the cosmic perspective provided by the exploration of the universe argues for the political unification of our world. He explains: "This perspective is already apparent in images of Earth taken from space, which emphasize the cosmic insignificance of our entire planet, never mind the national boundaries we have drawn upon its surface. And if we do ever meet other intelligent species out there among the stars, would it not be best for humanity to speak with a united voice?"