Three reasons why you should read In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

Today’s astrobito is a little bit different. Instead of talking about recent breakthroughs in astronomy, this time round I want to recommend a science fiction book that is not only full of space exploration but also deeply rooted in the realities of scientific research. In Ascension by Martin MacInnes follows Leigh, a marine biologist who transitions from studying ancient ocean organisms to working at a space agency, facing a life-altering decision that could take her across the universe. While the book dives deep into astronomy, it’s the human journey that stands out, showing the impact of scientific discovery on both the researcher and the world. If you enjoy stories that blend rigorous scientific ideas with complex human emotions, this book will keep you hooked from the first page.

I recently graduated from my PhD and a good friend of mine gave me a book as a graduation present; a science fiction book. Now, I’ve never been much of a reader myself. I often struggle to visualise the scenarios described in books, remember the physical traits of characters, and overall keep the story together. Science fiction, in particular, can be challenging for me to read given the level of imagination sometimes required to enjoy them. When my friend gave me this book, knowing my (let’s say rather sceptical) view of science fiction, she was somehow confident that I would love it. Turns out she was right.

In Ascension tells the story of Leigh, a marine biologist who finds her passion in the undersea world studying ancient organisms. During her PhD, she joins a group of researchers to study a newly discovered vent in the Atlantic ocean, hoping to uncover evidence of the earliest forms of life on Earth. What she finds, however, challenges everything we thought we knew about our origins. Her groundbreaking discovery eventually leads her to work for a new space agency, where she faces the life-altering decision of whether to embark on a journey that could take her across the universe.

This book is by far one of the compelling and thought-provoking books I’ve read in a long time. Here are three reasons why you should read In Ascension by Martin MacInnes.

1. Astronomy, astronomy, and more astronomy!

It wouldn’t be right to recommend a book here that doesn’t talk about astronomy. As many readers and critics have noted, the novel takes you on an extraordinary journey across the cosmos, blending scientific accuracy with imaginative storytelling. The story takes its time to introduce a range of astronomical concepts, space locations, and missions, all of which are described in such detail that the story feels like you're reading the field notes of a researcher on an actual interstellar expedition.

Taking you to the boundaries of the solar system, the book describes places like the Oort Cloud, which is a vast, spherical region of icy bodies that lies far beyond the orbit of Neptune. While we’ve never directly observed it, scientists believe it extends from about 2,000 to 100,000 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun. The Oort Cloud is thought to be a reservoir of comets and other icy objects left over from the early solar system. These objects are scattered across two regions: the inner Oort Cloud, closer to the Sun, and the outer Oort Cloud, which stretches far into interstellar space. Occasionally, gravitational forces from nearby stars or galactic movements disturb these icy objects, sending them on a path toward the inner solar system, where they become visible comets.

The heliosphere, heliopause, the Oort cloud, and the Voyager missions are some of the astronomy concepts and missions mentioned in In Ascension. Figure not to scale.

The book also mentions the heliosphere and the heliopause; two fundamental features of our solar system. Primarily composed of electrons and protons, the heliosphere is created by the Sun’s solar wind—a continuous stream of particles emitted by the Sun. The heliosphere extends far beyond the orbit of Pluto, enveloping the entire solar system and acting as a sort of protective shield from cosmic rays and other high-energy radiation from outside our system.

The boundary where the solar wind slows down and becomes overwhelmed by the pressure of the interstellar medium is known as the heliopause. This boundary marks the edge of the heliosphere and the beginning of interstellar space. Crossing the heliopause means entering a region where the solar wind no longer dominates, and the environment becomes more influenced by the materials from other stars in our galaxy. It's an area of scientific interest because it provides a natural boundary between the Sun's influence and the broader interstellar space.

As the story ventures into these far-flung regions, it doesn't miss the opportunity to also mention the Voyager mission. Launched in 1977, NASA’s Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft were designed to explore the outer planets of the solar system and continue on to become humanity’s first interstellar probes. These missions have far exceeded their original expectations and continue to send back data as they travel further into space.

Voyager 1 is currently the most distant human-made object from Earth, having crossed the heliopause in 2012 and entered interstellar space. Voyager 2, following a different path, crossed the heliopause in 2018. Both spacecraft are now part of the Voyager Interstellar Mission, traveling beyond the reach of the Sun's direct influence and offering insights into the mysterious space between other stars.

This is just a small taste of the many astronomical concepts described throughout In Ascension. With such a fascinating setting, the story's plot is as thrilling as it is scientifically rich.

2. Embark on a trip across space-related landmarks on Earth

When we think about astronomy, our minds often drift to planets, stars, and galaxies –which makes sense because astronomy, by definition, refers to the study of objects that naturally exist in space. But astronomy is not just about observing the universe; it’s also about the places on Earth that enable and support this research. In Ascension reminds us of some important locations around the globe that play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the universe. Here are just a few of these essential sites, each contributing to astronomy in its own unique ways.

Some of the astronomy-related landmarks mentioned in In Ascension

Goldstone Observatory

Located in California's Mojave Desert (USA), the Goldstone Observatory is one of the world’s most important facilities for deep-space communication. As part of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), Goldstone plays a crucial role in supporting spacecraft communications, tracking, and monitoring spacecraft across distant planets, moons, or other objects in the solar system.

Goldstone doesn’t work alone. It’s part of a global network of three major deep-space communication complexes, strategically positioned around the world: one in Madrid (Spain) and another in Canberra (Australia). Together, these stations ensure round-the-clock coverage of missions exploring our solar system and beyond. When one station’s line of sight to a spacecraft is interrupted as it dips below the horizon, another station takes over to keep the signals flowing.

Goldstone has supported many groundbreaking space missions, including the Apollo lunar program, the Mars rover explorations, and the Voyager probes as they journey into interstellar space.

Guiana Space Centre

Located just over 2,000 kilometers east of Bogotá (Colombia), near the town of Kourou in French Guiana, the Guiana Space Centre (GSC) has been a vital hub for space launches since 1964. Serving as a launch site for both commercial and government missions, the GSC has played an important role in sending spacecraft into orbit for a wide range of purposes. Some of its most notable launches include ARSAT-1, the first geostationary communications satellite built in Latin America, which provides telecommunications services across Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Paraguay; the BepiColombo mission to explore Mercury’s magnetic field; the Sky Muster satellite to improve internet connectivity in Australia; and, most recently, the historic launch of the James Webb Space Telescope in December 2021.

One of the GSC's major advantages is its location near the equator. The Earth rotates fastest at the equator, and this rotational speed gives rockets an additional boost when launched eastwards. By leveraging this natural speed, rockets require less fuel to reach orbit, making launches more energy-efficient and cost-effective. This strategic positioning makes the Guiana Space Centre one of the world’s premier sites for launching missions into low Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and beyond.

Ascension Island

Situated roughly halfway between South American and Africa, in the South Atlantic Ocean, Ascension Island is a small volcanic island with a big role in space operations. As part of NASA’s Space Network, Ascension supports communication with satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), including those used for Earth observation, telecommunications, and scientific research.

One of Ascension Island’s most important functions is supporting the recovery of space capsules that splash down in the ocean after completing their missions. While the island itself doesn’t conduct the recovery, it plays a key role in tracking and coordinating the recovery ships that converge on the splashdown site. Ascension’s advanced communication and tracking facilities provide real-time data to recovery teams, ensuring smooth operations and the safe retrieval of space capsules.

Each of these locations is explored in detail in In Ascension, highlighting their contributions to space exploration and making the story scientifically sound. Next time you're planning a trip, perhaps one of these space-related landmarks could be your next destination!

3. A celebration of interdisciplinarity in science

One of the key takeaways from In Ascension is the power of interdisciplinarity in modern science. From the very first page, readers are introduced to a vibrant mix of scientific fields, where experts from different disciplines come together to pursue a common goal. The story weaves together elements of algae biology, astronomy, software and mechanical engineering, physiology, and even psychology, illustrating how collaboration across these diverse areas can propel scientific discovery. It’s a fascinating reminder that innovation often happens when researchers from unexpected backgrounds join forces. After all, Leigh—a marine biologist—finds herself working for a space agency!

In Ascension presents us with a celebration of interdisciplinarity in science

Does life imitate art? In this case, I’d argue yes. Major research institutions like NASA, CERN, and the Max Planck Society thrive on the diverse expertise of their staff, pulling from a wide array of scientific disciplines. While it’s easy to assume that only physicists or chemists work at these organisations, the reality is much more inclusive. These agencies rely on individuals with a broad range of experiences who can apply their unique skills to a variety of challenges. The key isn’t just being an expert; it’s being passionate about the work and adaptable enough to contribute to a project’s specific goals.

Science meets fiction

One of the most compelling aspects of In Ascension is how both scientifically accurate and approachable it is. While the book tells a science fiction story, the attention to detail in its depiction of different astronomy concepts and definitions, the physical settings, and even the characters’ reactions makes the narrative feel surprisingly real. It’s as if you’re reading about someone you could know—someone you might have gone to university with or even yourself! The story feels grounded in reality, and it offers a compelling glimpse into what a career in research could look like, with all its challenges, triumphs, and nuances.

If you're looking for a fascinating read to round off the year, I’d 100% recommend In Ascension. It will take you on an unforgettable journey—across the globe, into space, and through the world of research. Engaging from the very first page and utterly mesmerising throughout, this book is sure to leave an impression.

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