In the Ocean of Night

by Gregory Benford

In the early twenty-first century, as humans are beginning to explore the solar system, astronaut Nigel Walmsley discovers an alien spaceship while on a mission to the asteroid Icarus. His discovery sets off a chain of events that will irrevocably change his life and propel humankind to a destiny among the stars. First novel of the Galactic Center series, prequel to Across the Sea of Suns (RC 41574). Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1972.