Na drugą planetę (English: To the Second Planet, first editions titled W nieznane światy [In Unknown Worlds]) is a Polish science fiction novel by Władysław Umiński for young readers.

As Harting embarks on dangerous expeditions to transmit signals, he faces numerous challenges, including public ridicule, financial difficulties, and perilous environmental conditions.

However, critics have noted its relatively conservative approach to speculative fiction, as most of its technological innovations—such as an oversized refracting telescope and a method of interplanetary signaling—are exaggerated but plausible extensions of existing science.

The book also reflects the era’s positivist faith in knowledge and technological advancement, though some later scholars have criticized its lack of attention to the ethical implications of scientific progress, particularly in scenes where indigenous populations suffer unintended consequences of Harting’s experiments.

Convinced of their existence, he persuades the wealthy millionaire Brighton to fund an ambitious project: the construction of a massive telescope—initially described as having a two-meter lens but later revised to a three-and-a-half-meter diameter—along with an experimental system of light signals using burning aluminum, a technique developed by chemist Barrett.

Alongside the two main characters, the novel introduces key supporting figures, such as journalist Tabb, who spies on the scientists, and chemist Barrett, whose scientific expertise contrasts sharply with Harting’s speculative and dream-driven approach.

[1][2][3][4][5] As Harting embarks on dangerous expeditions to light the signals from remote locations, he encounters numerous life-threatening obstacles, including treacherous terrain, wild animal attacks, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and dried-up rivers.

One of the most striking episodes occurs in Ecuador, where he and his team create a "second sun" using an artificial light signal so powerful that it blinds and burns nearby indigenous people and animals.

While the novel ends with his fate unresolved, a later work by Umiński, Zaziemskie światy (Worlds Beyond Earth), set in the same universe, suggests that Harting ultimately succeeds in making contact with extraterrestrial life.

[9][10] The origin of the novel is partially related to Umiński's own aspirations, as he was fascinated by technology and participated in inventive and construction work, but could not significantly pursue them due to financial problems.

[18] This was not Umiński's first novel containing elements of science fiction (his Balonem do bieguna [By Balloon to the Pole], serialized in the weekly Wieczory Rodzinne [pl] in 1892[19] and published as a book in 1894, included a futuristic but also plausible model of an airship).

[2] Makuch therefore sees the novel as a tribute to the desire for knowledge, as Umiński portrayal characters who sacrifice much to reach the truth (astronomer Harting, journalist Tabb) is nonetheless positive.