Dear readers,

In my previous article published in The European Magazine and entitled “How to Discover More Constellations Than Orion“, we explored the night sky, identifying the brightest stars and constellations surrounding Orion.

I hope that I have ignited your interest in stargazing, especially as the nights become milder, the weather improves, and spring arrives with its stunning celestial displays. In this article,  I aim to show you how to uncover additional wonders of the night sky. Fortunately, there exists a multitude of beautiful constellations and stars awaiting your discovery.

The Night Sky in Spring

How to spot Ursa Major

Ursa Major is a large and prominent constellation that dominates the Northern sky. If you look towards the southwest after dark, high in the sky, you will notice a pattern that resembles a bowl with a handle. This collection of seven bright stars, known as The Big Dipper, is part of the larger Ursa Major constellation, which includes additional dimmer stars.

In Greek mythology, Ursa Major represents Callisto, a nymph who was transformed into a bear by Hera, Zeus’ jealous wife. Various cultures have different interpretations of Ursa Major; for example, it’s seen as a bear in Native American and Greek traditions, a wagon in European interpretations, and a plough in British culture.

Because Ursa Major is positioned high in the sky during spring evenings, we can use The Big Dipper’s striking arrangement of stars as a guide to navigate the night sky.

The brightest star in Ursa Major is Alioth, situated on the handle and closest to the bowl. However, we will begin our journey from the second brightest star, Dubhe, located at the top right edge of the bowl. Directly below Dubhe, on the bottom right side of the bowl, you will find the star Merak. Together, Dubhe and Merak form an imaginary line that points to Polaris, the North Star.

Ursa Major ( The Great Bear )

How to spot Ursa Minor

To locate Polaris in the Ursa Minor constellation, let’s start by following the line along the right side of The Big Dipper’s bowl and continue north for a distance four to five times the gap between Dubhe and Merak.

The Ursa Minor constellation consists of seven stars forming a bowl and handle shape similar to that of The Big Dipper, with Polaris at the end of the handle.

Polaris is located almost directly above the Earth’s North Pole, making it a valuable reference point for finding true north. It serves as an important navigational marker as its altitude in the sky corresponds to the observer’s latitude – at the North Pole, Polaris is directly overhead; at the equator, it’s on the horizon.

Polaris is a triple star system. Its primary star is a yellow supergiant that is nearly five times more massive than our Sun and situated over four hundred light-years away.

How to spot Boötes

Returning to the Big Dipper’s handle, let’s follow the curve formed by the handle’s stars as it arcs down toward the southeast to encounter Arcturus in the Boötes constellation. Its distinctive orange sparkle makes it particularly noticeable.

Boötes, the Herdsman, is one of the largest constellations in the northern sky in terms of its area. The name Boötes comes from the Greek word meaning ploughman. According to legend, the gods honoured the son of Demeter, the Greek goddess of agriculture, by placing him in the heavens next to the Big Dipper.

Arcturus, the most prominent star in the constellation Boötes, is a red giant star around forty light years away. It is the brightest star in the spring sky and ranks fourth as the brightest star in the entire night sky. The name Arcturus comes from ancient Greek, meaning Guardian of the Bear, referring to its proximity to Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

How to spot Virgo

From Arcturus, let’s continue tracing the arc towards the south, a full Big Dipper length, to find the first magnitude star Spica in the Virgo constellation. The name Virgo comes from Latin, meaning virgin. In ancient legends, Virgo symbolises the goddess of fertility and harvest time.

The Virgo Supercluster, which includes our Milky Way galaxy, is located to the right of the Virgo constellation. This enormous structure contains approximately two thousand galaxies and is situated about fifty-four million light-years away from Earth. Notably, some of the brightest galaxies within this supercluster can be observed using amateur telescopes.

Spica is the brightest star in the constellation Virgo and ranks as the fifteenth brightest star in the night sky. It is a binary star system composed of two stars: one is a blue supergiant, and the other is a blue subgiant. Both stars are larger and hotter than the Sun, and they are located approximately 260 light-years away from Earth.

How to spot Leo

Returning to the Big Dipper, we can utilise the two stars situated near the handle, toward the left side of the bowl, to trace an imaginary line southwestward to find Regulus, a first-magnitude star located within the Leo constellation. The term Leo is derived from the Latin word for lion. In Greek mythology, this constellation symbolises the Nemean Lion, killed by the legendary hero Heracles.

The Leo constellation contains nine bright stars that are easily visible to the naked eye. Six of these stars create a shape resembling a backwards question mark, known as The Sickle asterism. Regulus is located at the base of the question mark, marking the lion’s heart. The remaining three stars form a triangular shape that represents the lion’s tail.

Regulus is the brightest star in the Leo constellation and the twenty-first brightest star in the night sky. Its name comes from the Latin term meaning little king or prince. Regulus is a quadruple star system, which consists of two pairs of stars: a primary white-blue star and its companion, along with a binary pair of dimmer stars, eighty light-years away from Earth.

The Spring Triangle

Regulus, Spica, and Arcturus form the prominent Spring Triangle asterism, connecting the constellations of Leo, Virgo, and Boötes. As they rise above the horizon by mid-evening, the Spring Triangle stars signal the approach of warmer, more inviting days ahead. Their twinkling brilliance reminds us of the seasonal transition, inviting stargazers to revel in the beauty of springtime nights.

The Spring Triangle

Main night sky events in May

We wandered through the night sky, using the Big Dipper as our guide to explore beautiful constellations steeped in mythology and showcasing stunning stars. However, if discovering these brightest spring treasures isn’t enough, I invite you to step outside and witness these exciting events happening in May:

May 6 – The Eta Aquariid meteor shower will peak this morning, with an estimated 50 meteors per hour shooting through the skies. The Eta Aquariids are remnants of Halley’s comet, which takes 76 years to orbit the Sun—it was last seen in 1986 and will not enter the inner solar system again until 2061. To view this spectacular meteor shower, head outside in the early hours of May 6 after 3 a.m. and look toward the low southeastern sky. If you happen to miss the peak date, don’t worry; you can still catch glimpses of the meteors until the end of May, though they will be less intense.

May 12 – Full Moon, known as the Flower Moon for the abundance of flowers that bloom this time of year. Although the Moon will be at its farthest from Earth at this time, it may seem bigger because of a peculiar optical illusion that occurs when the Moon is close to the horizon. Look out towards the southeast just after 9:15 p.m. to witness the magnificent rise of this supermoon.

May 23 – The Moon close approach to Venus and Saturn. Look toward the eastern horizon just before sunrise to see the waning crescent Moon at the centre of these two planets, Venus to the left and Saturn to the right.

May 28 – The Moon close approach to Jupiter. Look toward the western horizon just after sunset to see the thin waxing crescent Moon above brilliant Jupiter.

Another version of this article has also been published in The European Magazine. You can find it here: Spot the Big Dipper — and unlock the secrets of the spring sky – The European Magazine

Dear readers,

In “The Space Traveller’s Lover,” I aim to immerse you in an imaginative world filled with captivating and otherworldly landscapes, while leaving open the possibility that it all could be real.

The emotional rollercoaster of destruction, happiness, and love intertwines, ultimately culminating in a powerful story of defiance and triumph against all odds.

As you progress through each chapter, new revelations unfold, prompting you to consider how you would confront those challenges yourself and what it would take to succeed.

Reading the wonderful reviews of my work and realising how emotionally attached you are to the story and the characters—rooting for them until the unpredictable and impactful end—fills me with pride as an author.

I’m excited to share the latest top ten Amazon reviews from the past two months, which have brought me immense appreciation and joy.

Review Highlights:

• The tension between loyalty and love had me flipping pages too late into the night.
• The combination of romance and science fiction felt seamless, with every plot twist occurring at just the right time.
• It’s about finding light in the darkest places—and how one connection can shift an entire world.
• A perfect mix of suspense and passion that captures the heart and drags the reader into a love beyond the boundaries of space.
• If you like your sci-fi with action and emotion, this one’s a great pick. Thought-provoking and hard to put down!
• With vivid descriptions and an engaging plot, this cosmic love story is a must-read for fans of both genres.
• A must-read for those who love stories of impossible love and epic stakes.
• With stunning world-building, a strong female protagonist, and an unforgettable love story, this book is perfect for fans of sci-fi with depth and heart.
• From the very first page, I was completely captivated by its enchanting blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure.
• This story gives you page after page of quietly powerful sentences… deep life lessons that will stay with you long after you’ve put this book down.
• I loved this book. It had just the right amount of romance for a sci-fi love story. The dynamics of the visitors technology is incredible. You’re going to love this book too.

Review List:

Discover more reviews here: Reviews – Omara Williams

Dear readers,

I have always been fascinated by the night sky, filled with the brightest stars and planets, meteor showers, and occasional comets. I learned the constellations and the locations of their brightest stars, which allowed me to navigate the night sky with ease. Soon, skywatching became one of my favourite hobbies, and I dedicated long hours to it each night. As I travelled the world, purchased telescopes, and attended star parties, my fascination grew even stronger.

One of my favourite pastimes was imagining what it would be like to fly from Earth to another star, journeying through the dust clouds and nebulae of the Milky Way along the way. This allowed me to truly feel connected to the Universe.

I would later incorporate some of these imaginative interstellar trips, along with some of my skywatching experiences, into my debut sci-fi novel “The Space Traveller’s Lover”.

For example, in Chapter 16, “The Visitor”, I write:

Out in the open, she saunters through the fields with her arms fully open while her gleeful eyes stay fixed on the starry sky. “So far and yet so close,” she says to herself as she glances through the constellations, taking her time to admire the glittering starlit night. She watches the prominent Orion stars shining over the horizon, then focuses on the less conspicuous Eridani system, waving its dim pearly wreath right off the bright star Rigel. She watches each faint point of light on its wavy river-like pattern, feeling as if her ancestral home is calling on her, and she is responding.

I hope you enjoy today’s article as I guide you in identifying the brightest stars in the early spring sky…

EARLY SPRING NIGHT SKY

With the arrival of the spring equinox on March 20th, we officially entered astronomical spring in the Northern Hemisphere. As the days grow longer, skywatching becomes increasingly challenging. Additionally, the brightest constellations that grace our skies during winter, such as Orion and Taurus, fade from view, sinking below the horizon earlier with each passing evening. They will vanish from the night sky until next season.

Yet, in early spring, we can still enjoy winter’s enchanting celestial wonders. The night sky is alive with unique sights that await the curious observer. By using the now-fading constellations as guiding stars, we can embark on an exciting exploration of the night sky.

SKYWATCHING TIPS

For optimal stargazing, it’s essential to select a viewing location well away from the pervasive light pollution of urban areas. The best time to observe is after twilight has ended and the moon is absent, as this maximises our opportunity to behold these celestial gems in all their glory. Even without telescopes or binoculars, we can still marvel at and be awestruck by the beauty of the brightest stars.

ORION AND BETELGEUSE

As April arrives, the early Spring southwestern sky is dominated by its most striking constellation, Orion the Hunter, notable for its distinctive hourglass shape, evoking the image of a mighty hunter poised gracefully among the stars. Orion captivates observers with its brilliant belt, a trio of luminous stars halfway through the hourglass, sparkling like diamonds against the darkened sky. For millennia, the Orion belt’s celestial trio of stars has served as a beacon for human wonder and legends. Its unique alignment has been associated with the positioning of monuments from ancient civilisations, such as the Mayans and Egyptians.

In the top left corner of Orion’s shoulder lies Betelgeuse, the tenth-brightest star in the sky, shining like a fiery ruby in the night sky. This red supergiant variable star is so enormous that if placed at the centre of our solar system, its surface would extend beyond the orbit of Jupiter.

CANIS MAJOR AND SIRIUS

Tracing a 45-degree line downwards from Betelgeuse toward the southeast, it directs our gaze to the sparkling star Sirius, the brightest in the night sky. Sirius is a binary star system made up of a main-sequence primary star and its white dwarf companion. Situated within the Canis Major constellation, which represents the large dog that follows Orion the Hunter, Sirius enchants viewers with its vibrant luminosity.

CANIS MANOR AND PROCYON

If you look above Sirius, the next bright star you’ll see is Procyon in the Canis Minor constellation, the eighth brightest star in the night sky. At less than twelve light years away, Procyon is one of our Sun’s closest stellar neighbours, making it a key subject for stellar studies.

The three stars, Betelgeuse, Sirius, and Procyon, form a striking upside-down triangle dubbed “The Winter Triangle”. This beautiful asterism is part of a larger formation known as “The Winter Hexagon”. By tracing along the edges of this hexagon, we can discover even more cosmic treasures.

GEMINI AND CASTOR AND POLLUX

Continuing our celestial exploration, if we ascend from Procyon at a 45-degree angle toward the west, a pair of side-by-side stars come into view: Pollux and Castor, both residents of the Gemini constellation. Pollux, the more prominent of the two, radiates with a golden glow, while Castor displays a softer white light. Pollux is a yellow-orange giant, while Castor is a fascinating multiple-star system composed of six individual stars organised into three binary pairs, including a mix of main-sequence stars and red dwarfs.

AURIGA AND CAPELLA

A slight descent and westward movement leads to Capella, the sixth brightest star in the night sky, shining prominently in the Auriga constellation. The closest first-magnitude star to the North Celestial Pole, Capella served as a navigational star for ancient sailors. It is also a multiple-star system consisting of two binary pairs: two yellow giants that closely orbit each other and two red dwarf stars.

TAURUS AND ALDEBARAN

Tracing downward and eastward from Capella at a 25-degree angle, our attention is captured by the stunning orange-red star, Aldebaran, a prominent feature of the Taurus constellation. Also known as the Bull’s Eye, Aldebaran is a colossal red giant that visually aligns with The Hyades, the nearest open star cluster to Earth. To Aldebaran’s right, we encounter the dazzling cluster of bright blue stars named The Pleiades, while to the left, on Orion’s upper right shoulder, the brilliant blue giant Bellatrix sparkles with a striking blue-white brilliance. Sometimes called the “Amazon Star”, Bellatrix has been associated with warrior women in various mythologies.

ORION AND RIGEL

From Aldebaran, if we pivot downward and eastward at a 45-degree angle to reach the last node of the hexagon, we find Rigel, the brightest star in the Orion constellation and the seventh brightest star in the night sky. Rigel is a luminous blue supergiant and part of a multiple-star system that includes a close binary pair of smaller stars. Currently in an advanced stage of its stellar evolution, Rigel is expected to meet its end in a dramatic supernova explosion, which might leave behind either a neutron star or a black hole.

THE WINTER HEXAGON

In our exploration of the six prominent stars that form “The Winter Hexagon”—Sirius, Procyon, Pollux, Capella, Aldebaran, and Rigel—we also looked at the three brightest stars in the Orion constellation- Rigel, Aldebaran, and Bellatrix– along with their notable neighbours. I hope this serves as a helpful introduction to navigating the night sky.

For those looking to enhance their stargazing experience, a variety of user-friendly apps, such as Sky Tonight, Night Sky, and Stellarium, can provide invaluable assistance in accessing and exploring the celestial world. Clear skies!

Orion the Hunter and the Winter Hexagonhttps://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com/

The European has also published a version of this article here: How to get more constellations than Orion under your belt – The European Magazine

Enjoy!

Dear readers,

When I was very young, I discovered the joy of reading and became captivated by ancient myths and legends. I would spend hours immersed in the tales of bygone civilisations, imagining that I was experiencing them firsthand, walking among their magnificent temples and bowing to their gods.

I was particularly fascinated by the legend of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, and his magical powers, drawing me deeper into a world of myth and mystery and igniting my imagination.

The Feathered Serpent God

Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, is one of the most important deities in Mesoamerican mythology, particularly among the Aztecs, Toltecs, and Mayas (where he was known as Kukulkán). In all these ancient cultures, he symbolises rebirth and wisdom, credited with having taught humans agriculture, writing, astronomy, and crafts, as well as the calendar, medicine, and the arts.

Quetzalcoatl was also regarded as the god of Venus, the morning star, and the ancient priests performed intricate celestial calculations while worshipping him, demonstrating their exceptional understanding of cosmic patterns.

As one of the most important gods, revered for his connection between the Earth and the heavens, they built impressively aligned monuments in his honour. In the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, the Kukulkán Pyramid is known for its incredible equinox alignment. During this event, a crawling shadow recreates the image of a serpent descending the steps. And in Teotihuacán, the Quetzalcoatl Pyramid aligns with the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon, following the pattern of Orion’s Belt.

Following my dreams

Later in my life, I had the privilege of visiting these magical sites, which filled me with profound emotions. Standing before the Kukulkán Pyramid, I was awestruck by its imposing beauty and magnetic energy. I imagined climbing its ninety-one steps on each of its four sides, yearning to conquer its summit. Although climbing the monuments at Chichén Itzá has now been restricted, fortunately, I was able to do so at Teotihuacán.

With a mix of nervousness and exhilaration, I summoned the courage to tackle the impossibly steep steps of the Quetzalcoatl pyramid at Teotihuacán.  I knew once I started, there would be no way back, so with a deep breath, I ran towards the steps and started climbing as fast as I could. I felt time slowing down as I tried to hurry. When I finally glimpsed at the top edge and the blue sky, I felt a strong force that seemed to lift me and help me stand at the summit. I had made it.

Standing on the pyramid’s flat top, I couldn’t see the steps leading down from any direction, giving me the impression that I was gently floating on a magic carpet. As I looked around, it felt like I was dreaming. Dozens of smaller pyramids surrounded the main one, their golden silhouettes shimmering through the steamy air rising from the hot ground below, creating the illusion of a mirage. I was mesmerised by this otherworldly, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As if that wasn’t enough, I soon discovered the temple behind the pyramid, an intricate stone monument decorated with rows of feathered serpent heads and other intertwining creatures. The temple featured detailed stone carvings and symbolic motifs, with each step showcasing the long, undulating bodies of feathered serpents. The more I observed, the more details I uncovered, marvelling at the engineering prowess of these ancient civilisations and their deep connection to the cosmos.

From imagination to creation

It’s no surprise, then, that my fascination with the legends of ancient cultures, where earthly and cosmic knowledge are intertwined, profoundly influenced the writing of “The Space Traveller’s Lover”

In this, my debut science fiction novel, I employ vivid descriptions of alien landscapes and futuristic technologies to explore some of the greatest mysteries of our time through thought-provoking ideas. Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we ultimately control any technology using our brains? Can we live forever while travelling to any part of the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy?

The Universe is vast, and so are our quests for answers …

 https://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com

Dear readers,

I would like to present to you the Reader’s House Magazine in-depth review of The Space Traveller’s Lover here: The Space Traveller’s Lover by Omara Williams – Reader’s House

I am truly honored by the Editor’s review, which reveals the fundamental questions and paradigms presented in my book, inviting readers to embark on an adventure that is as much a journey of wonder as it is of self-discovery as it states: “The Space Traveller’s Lover ultimately poses a fundamental question: What do we truly desire, and what lengths are we willing to go to attain it? Omara Williams invites readers to embark on this enchanting journey infused with hope, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

You can find the whole text below:

A thrilling blend of romance and sci-fi, rich world-building, gripping tension, and unforgettable characters—an unmissable, heart-pounding interstellar adventure!

Omara Williams’ The Space Traveller’s Lover is a captivating blend of fantasy and romance that transports readers into a world where dreams and reality intertwine. At its core, the narrative follows Erin, a protagonist haunted by mysterious dreams of a golden-uniformed soldier. This recurring dream sets the stage for a journey filled with emotional depth and imaginative exploration, where Erin’s longing and emotional struggles come to life through vivid descriptions and an enchanting plot.

The structure of the book is divided into multiple parts, each consisting of several chapters that build upon Erin’s experiences and the unfolding mystery surrounding her dreams. Williams skillfully crafts a narrative that oscillates between light and darkness, echoing Erin’s internal battles with hope, fear, and the desire for connection. Themes of love, loss, and destiny resonate throughout, inviting readers to ponder their own relationships and the unresolved questions in their lives.

Williams’ prose is lyrical and poignant, immersing readers in extraordinary settings—from marbled corridors to a vivid ocean lined with a sky-piercing tower. The author’s ability to create a sense of urgency juxtaposed with ethereal beauty enhances the reading experience, making it both thrilling and deeply affecting.

While the book does delve into complex themes, it remains accessible and engaging for a wide audience. The inclusion of relatable characters, particularly Erin’s dynamic with her adoptive mother, adds an extra layer of realism to the fantasy elements. The Space Traveller’s Lover ultimately poses a fundamental question: What do we truly desire, and what lengths are we willing to go to attain it? Omara Williams invites readers to embark on this enchanting journey infused with hope, revealing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

A must-read for those who love their sci-fi infused with passion and high stakes.

And you can find more reviews on my website here: Reviews – Omara Williams

Dear Readers,

As my debut sci-fi novel, “The Space Traveler’s Lover”, shows, ancient civilizations have greatly impacted modern science fiction.

Being an enthusiastic researcher and follower of ancient alien theories, I drew inspiration from the remarkable discoveries of our ancient past while crafting “The Space Traveller’s Lover”. In this, my debut science-fiction novel, I weave together historical findings with descriptive storytelling to explore the fascinating possibility that an advanced alien civilisation once visited Earth and coexisted with Humans in a state of relative harmony, sharing knowledge and cultural insights. However, this utopian balance was ultimately shattered by a catastrophic event initiated by human actions. This unforeseen disaster led to dire consequences and a steep price to pay.

In my story, I explore themes of love, loyalty, duty, and the human spirit through the main characters: Rothwen, an alien soldier assigned to destroy Earth, and Erin, a bright and brave human determined to stand her ground. At the same time, I also delve into fundamental questions of our time: Are we alone in the Universe? Did aliens visit us in the past? What is the meaning of life? Can we control technology with our minds? Is it possible to live forever while travelling anywhere in the Universe? Can we harness an infinite source of energy? Find out more by visiting my website.

Ancient civilisations that emerged after the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, possessed a profound understanding of astronomy and mathematics. They built impressive monuments, pyramids, and temples that reflected their deep desire to study and worship the heavens. But what prompted this focus? After the ice melted, catastrophic flooding reshaped the landscape, changed sea levels, and claimed the lives of millions of people and animals. How did humanity manage to recover from such devastation, master scientific knowledge, and construct elaborate massive structures while organising itself into large cities and developing art, culture, and religion?

Across the globe, we have discovered remnants of these ancient civilisations that share similar knowledge and beliefs despite being separated by thousands of miles on different continents. It appears that a highly advanced global civilisation influenced these ancient people in a way that profoundly impacted their way of life. This influence ushered them into an era of scientific discoveries, advancements in farming and animal domestication, and the construction of impressive monuments aligned with the heavens, establishing large cities that facilitated unprecedented human interaction and cooperation.

Ancient people from the Americas, Asia, Africa and Indonesia created a sophisticated infrastructure that continues to baffle us today. Even with our state-of-the-art technology, we still cannot fully explain or replicate these architectural feats. In Bolivia, we find the ancient city of Tiahuanaco, known for its impressive stone monuments. This site was once the centre of a civilisation that boasted more than 40,000 inhabitants around 500 AD to 1000 AD. As part of this remarkable complex is the temple of Puma Punku, with some of the largest and most precisely cut megalithic stones found anywhere in the world. Puma Punku is situated at an elevation above the natural tree line, which rules out using them to transport the massive stones. Around that same period ( 800-1200 AD ), a bustling city with more than 30,000 inhabitants existed to the north in the Yucatán Peninsula: Chichén Itzá. This impressive Mayan city features elaborate temples that are precisely aligned with Venus, the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth’s seasons, showcasing the highest level of mathematical accuracy and architectural prowess.

Going back 4,500 years and nearly 8,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, we find the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Standing 147 meters high, the most recognisable pyramid in the world is oriented toward the cardinal points with remarkable accuracy, while the ratio of its edges, base and height encodes geometrical principles and mathematical constants. Additionally, the main four shafts within the pyramid are each precisely aligned with a star, demonstrating the Egyptians’ exceptional knowledge of astronomy.

Another 6,000 miles to the southeast, across the Indian Ocean, lie the remains of arguably the oldest giant pyramid constructed by an advanced ancient civilisation: Gunung Padang in West Java, Indonesia. This site, located atop a dormant volcano, features thousands of volcanic stones that form a series of four successively smaller terraces connected by steps and upright columns. The dating of its construction varies widely, ranging from 45 BC to 22 AD, with some estimates suggesting it could date back as far as 27000 years ago.

To the north, near ancient Mesopotamia and what we now know as Turkey, is Göbekli Tepe, whose well-preserved ancient ruins fill us with wonder and astonishment. This site is among the world’s oldest megalithic constructions, dating from 7,000 to 9,500 BC. It boasts large circular structures surrounding massive stone pillars carefully decorated with abstract pictograms and depictions of wild animals. Some of these pictograms correspond with solar calendars and other astronomical features, such as meteor showers and constellations, revealing that the inhabitants of Göbekli Tepe were keen observers of the sky.

Ancient alien theories offer an intriguing explanation for these ancient mysteries. It suggests that extraterrestrial beings visited Earth in ancient times and contacted humans, thereby influencing our civilisation, technology, and culture. Proponents of these theories argue that many ancient monuments, artefacts, and myths serve as potential evidence of such encounters. However, although some puzzling discoveries may lend some support to these ideas, the absence of empirical and conclusive evidence means that they remain a controversial and speculative area of study.

Nevertheless, these theories continue to capture the public’s imagination and spark debates about humanity’s origins and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. At the same time, science fiction literature and films have long explored the fascinating possibilities of alien encounters with humanity. These depictions range from harmonious collaborations to catastrophic conflicts, offering a rich spectrum of scenarios that not only entertain but also prompt critical questions about our place in the cosmos and the implications of contacting intelligent life beyond our planet.

As I continue writing the second volume of The Space Traveller’s Lover, which will further explore intergalactic space battles and the clashes of civilisations, I am delving deeper into ancient alien theories and the greatest mysteries of our times. My goal is to open a wide field of possibilities that will prompt us to reflect on and evaluate our unique place in the Universe.

Omara Williams in Chichén Itza, Mexico

Dear readers,

It is my honour to announce that The Space Traveller’s Lover has been selected as a 2025 International Impact Book Award Winner in the Science-Fiction, Space Adventures category!

The International Impact Book Awards is a prestigious platform that welcomes submissions from self-published authors, traditional publishing houses, and innovative publishers alike. Winning an International Impact Book Award is more than an accolade – it’s a testament to the quality and significance of one’s work.

I am thrilled, humbled and honoured to be receiving this prestigious award.

Here is the letter from Nim Stant, CEO and Founder

      Dear Omara,

        Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment!

         Being selected as a winner at the International Impact Book Awards is a testament to your exceptional talent, dedication, and creativity.

         Your work has truly made an impact, and it is our honour to celebrate this remarkable achievement with you.

         Your certificate and digital emblem are enclosed, and your book will be featured on our social media and winners page on February 24 .

         Once again, congratulations on this outstanding recognition. We can’t wait to celebrate your success, whether in person or from afar.

This is a very special award indeed, and I was eagerly waiting for the results.

When I found out my book had been selected as a winner, I felt very emotional but also grateful.

For more about The Space Traveller’s Lover, please visit my website OmaraWilliamsBooks.com 

The book is available on Amazon here!

International Impact Book Award Winne

International Impact Book Award Winne Certificate

Dear readers,

Today, I bring you the latest review of my debut novel, “The Space Traveller’s Lover”, from the Bookstagram Team!

The Space Traveller’s Lover

Author: Omara Williams

Review by: Bookstagram Club

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

Introduction

Omara Williams’ The Space Traveller’s Lover is a fascinating blend of science fiction, romance, and existential dilemmas that kept us hooked from start to finish.

Plot & Narrative

The story follows Rothwen, an elite alien warrior sent to eradicate humanity. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn when he meets Erin, a human woman who challenges everything he knows. Their growing connection adds layers of complexity, making Rothwen’s internal struggle deeply compelling.

Themes & Social Commentary

At its heart, The Space Traveller’s Lover explores love, identity, and the moral complexities of war. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about duty versus personal values, making it a gripping read beyond just the romance and sci-fi elements.

Writing Style & Pacing

Williams masterfully balances an epic interstellar conflict with an intimate, emotional connection between the protagonists. The writing is vivid and immersive, making it easy to visualize alien landscapes, advanced technology, and cultural contrasts.

Characterization

Rothwen is a refreshingly complex character, torn between duty and newfound emotions. Erin, on the other hand, is strong, intelligent, and plays a crucial role in shaping the story’s direction. Their romance feels organic, built through shared experiences and genuine understanding.

Strengths

• Emotional depth: The relationship between Rothwen and Erin is heartfelt and believable.
• Vivid world-building: The descriptions of alien civilizations and space settings are rich and immersive.
• Strong pacing: A perfect balance of action, romance, and introspection keeps the reader engaged.

Final Verdict

The Space Traveller’s Lover is a fantastic read for those who love sci-fi with a heart. It is a unique take on first-contact stories and a must-read for fans of space operas and star-crossed lovers.

Find your copy here: https://amz.run/7apX

Visit https://www.omarawilliamsbooks.com

Bookstagram Club Review

Dear readers

We start the year 2025 by announcing that The Space Traveller’s Lover has been selected as a Maincrest Media Award Winner!

The Maincrest Media Book Award Program establishes the benchmark for excellence in books and the publishing community as a whole.

I am truly honoured and thrilled by this prestigious award!

The complete list of awards for 2023 and 2024 can be found here.

Since I published my book in February 2022, it has received numerous awards and rave reviews. It has been a fantastic journey.

The Judges for the Maincrest Media Award gave the following evaluation for The Space Traveller’s Lover:

Maincrest Media – Judgment Assessment of The Space Traveller’s Lover

BOOK TITLE: The Space Traveller’s Lover

PLOT: The story is original, engaging and well-paced. The book follows a clear and logical narrative arc. The writing includes information to make a reader want to continue reading and stretch their imagination.

CHARACTER: The characters are memorable and believable and their goals and motivations have been well established. The characters’ strengths, weaknesses, backstory and conflicts evoke a strong emotional response in the reader.

THEME: The book has a strong, unifying theme. The book presents new and original ideas. The book appeals to the reader in an emotional or logical manner. The theme is relevant to the author’s genre of writing.

STYLE: The author’s word choice, sentence fluency, voice and tone have been well established. The author uses descriptive imagery where appropriate. The author’s use of language enhances the overall reading experience.

APPEAL TO TARGET AUDIENCE: The target audience of the book is clear and the contents of the book is in line with other highly regarded books in its genre. The book has a professional interior layout and typeface. The book includes relevant front and back matter to explain key elements of the plot, characters and setting to enhance a reader’s overall experience. The book is free from grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors.

This book has been selected for a Maincrest Media Book Award in the Science Fiction – General category.

I am so proud! This gives me more impetus to finish Volume II of The Space Traveller’s Lover, which I’m currently working on.

Maincrest Media Award Winner – January 2025

Dear readers,

As I mentioned before, the beautiful reviews from my readers are very special to me. I consider success as an author to be defined by how well readers receive the book and are moved by the story.

I would like to summarise the most touching reviews I have received recently. They have moved me to the core, as I realise that my mission as an author has been fulfilled.

I wanted to immerse the readers in an outrageous alien world while they ponder our moral duties as inhabitants of this Galaxy. I wanted them to feel intense emotions and root for the main characters as they fight impossible odds.

And that’s precisely what the following reviews show (hover and click on each review title to go to the review on Amazon):

You can find more reviews on Goodreads and my website Reviews – Omara Williams

The book Link is here: https://www.amazon.com/Space-Travellers-Lover-Omara-Williams-ebook/dp/B09SH9KBTD/