In this story by Arthur C. Clarke, a scientist exploring the moon’s surface discovers a “glittering roughly pyramidal structure” high on a mountain top. It is clearly not man-made, and is surrounded by a force-field that takes twenty years and “atomic power” to penetrate. The scientist concludes that it was placed there as a beacon to alert an advanced alien civilization when life on Earth has evolved and proved worthy enough for them to be interested in revisiting. This begs a question: what are their intentions? Themes include isolation, exploration, discovery, evolution, worthiness, the cosmic insignificance of man.

Dog Star illustrates science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke’s sentimental side. Despite the title, the story has nothing to do with stars of the celestial kind. It does however feature a dog. An introverted astronomer finds and raises a lost puppy. The dog’s heightened senses save his life on two occasions. The second time, the dog had been long dead. If you love animals, especially dogs, you are sure to be moved by the story. But BE WARNED… the conclusion has been known to bring tears to the eyes. Themes: kindness, human/animal bonding, career sacrifice, supernatural connections.