'This will book will broaden your horizons ... We cannot hope to understand the diversity of the universe if we fail to accept the diversity of what it is to be a human being' — Robin Ince

 

What if the world around us is far richer than we can perceive?

In Invisible Rainbows, astrophysicist and science communicator Dr Alfredo Carpineti reveals the extraordinary hidden universe beyond the limits of human vision and how we have learnt to harness it. 

From the emanations of powerful cosmic explosions in gamma-rays to galaxies glowing in radio waves, he shows how every colour we see is just one note in the vast symphony of light. 

Featuring conversations with LGBTQIA+ astronomers and scientists from around the world, Carpineti focuses on their pivotal but often invisible contribution to the evolving field of astronomy, and how our identities can shape the way we look at the universe. Blending awe-inspiring science with reflections on perception, diversity and wonder, Invisible Rainbows changes the way we see ourselves and the cosmos.



Dr Alfredo Carpineti (he/him) is a queer Italian astrophysicist, science journalist, and social activist. He has an M.Sc. in Quantum Fields and Fundamental Forces and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Imperial College London. He is the Space and Physics Editor for IFL Science where he has worked for ten years, writing over 6,000 articles that have been read by millions. He is the chair and founder of Pride in STEM, an award-nominated British charity dedicated to supporting and showcasing LGBTQIA+ in STEM. Alfredo's first work of narrative non-fiction, Invisible Rainbows, will be published in May 2026.



'This will book will broaden your horizons … We cannot hope to understand the diversity of the universe if we fail to accept the diversity of what it is to be a human being'



'An infinitely readable, humorous and approachable celebration of the queerness found across the reaches of the universe, told through the stories of LGBTQIA+ scientists. Invisible Rainbows is roaringly funny and makes hard science joyous. Carpineti's passion for astrophysics sparkles on every page'



'Full of warmth, humour and honesty, Invisible Rainbows has made me fall in love with physics all over again. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about how our Universe works'



'An erudite and satisfyingly cheeky cosmic safari … A stellar debut'



'A delightful, sparkling cocktail of science and history'



'A love note to one of the strangest and most beautiful phenomena in the universe – light. Carpineti illuminates the apparently invisible universe … offering a wonderfully queer spin on our extraordinary cosmos'