
Proxima
by Stephen Baxter · first published 2013
7mentions
5recommended by
6HN commenters
2016–2026first – last mentioned
83% recommend17% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Hard science fiction set around Proxima Centauri, with interstellar travel, alien cultures and non-human cognition. Readers call it a favorite, best read as the first half of a duology with Ultima.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The story of how we colonise a new world, and the discovery of an ancient secret that will change our understanding of our place in the Universe for ever. Sequel is Ultima.
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Check out Proxima by Stephen Baxter: https://www.amazon.com/Proxima-Stephen-Baxter/dp/045146771X It's a Sci-fi book about life on Proxima Centauri and includes the idea you mentioned. (Also a really good read!)
on “Planet Found in Habitable Zone Around Nearest Star” ↗I just read a science fiction book where this kind of technology was used - Proxima by Stephen Baxter. Great book!
on “Starchip enterprise” ↗Proxima and Ultima by Stephen Baxter hit along this theme and are a pretty good read.
on “Panspermia” ↗Stretching it a little bit, but: "Ultima" from Stephen Baxter. But you should read "Proxima" first to understand the context.
on “Ancient lead pollution in a Roman harbor (2017)” ↗I randomly stumbled on the Proxima & Ultima duology by Stephen Baxter and they shot up to the top echelon of my favorite books list. Near-future sci-fi, interstellar travel, alternate histories, alien cultures, non-human cognition. Just…
on “Ask HN: Books you read in 2023 and recommend for 2024” ↗And recently published Proxima about settlers on a planet around Proxima Cent. https://www.amazon.com/Proxima-Stephen-Baxter/dp/045146771X
on “Planet Found in Habitable Zone Around Nearest Star” ↗Maybe? Ultima (Proxima Book 2) by Stephen Baxter: “Oh, come on. This is just great. An imperial Roman starship! . . . We know they lack sophisticated electronics, computers. I wonder how the hell they navigate that thing.”…
on “Project Hail Mary – Stellar Navigation Chart” ↗