| Fifth Planet | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Fred Hoyle and Geoffrey Hoyle |
| Language | English |
| Publication date | 1963 |
| Media type | Print (book) |
| Pages | 224 |
| ISBN | 0434349208 |
Fifth Planet is a science fiction novel written by astrophysicist Sir Fred Hoyle and his son Geoffrey Hoyle.
Another star is due to pass close to the sun, close enough for conventional spacecraft to reach it. The first planets observed are four gas-giants, but then an inner 'Fifth Planet' is found. It shows signs of life, and rival Russian and US expeditions are launched to visit it. (The world balance as it existed in 1963 is assumed to be still in place.)