Could a giant asteroid or comet crash into Earth and destroy life as we know it? Many astronomers who once discredited the risks are now convinced. You will be too after reading Duncan Steel′s critically acclaimed examination of the evidence of Earth′s encounters with killer comets and asteroids.
Acclaim for Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets
"A chilling and utterly convincing account of a cosmic menace that must not be ignored any longer. This book is a welcome challenge to the scientific prejudice against catastrophism." ––Paul Davies, author of The Mind of God
"Written in clear prose for the layperson, this gripping report advocates the creation of an international search program to detect, intercept, and divert Earth–menacing asteroids and comets." ––Publishers Weekly.
"Steel writes clearly and ominously, and he should be listened to." ––The Daily Telegraph (London)
A selection of the Astronomy Book Club
A Library Journal "Best Science Book of the Year" selection
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Could a giant asteroid or comet crash into the Earth and destroy life as we know it? Many astronomers who formerly discredited the risks are now convinced there is a grave danger. In Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets, astronomer Duncan Steel explores the scientists′ fascinating and often chilling findings.
Director of one of three global asteroid and comet search programs, Steel is one of the world′s leading experts. He tells the intriguing story of the scientific detection work that pieced together mounting evidence to uncover a stunning history of impacts. Massive comet and asteroid impacts scarred our planet frequently in the past a comet was almost surely responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Recent advances in telescope tracking technology show at least 2,000 objects now orbiting the Earth that are large enough to hit with the force of a nuclear weapon. Based on the best calculations, it is certain that the Earth will sooner or later find itself on a disastrous collision course once again.
In the event of a collision, evidence suggests outcomes such as three–mile–high ocean waves capable of obliterating coastal communities worldwide, a massive conflagration and a cloud of dust and ash blocking all sunlight and making agriculture impossible. With consummate authority, Steel explains and evaluates these prospects and the plans researchers have proposed for the search and destruction of oncoming celestial bodies, including Edward Teller′s provocative call for a nuclear bomb.
Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets is a compelling account of the threat posed to life on Earth from outer space, and of scientists′ response. Killer comets and asteroids populate the cosmos in greater numbers than we have ever imagined. But for the first time, humankind is in a position to prevent calamity. This book makes a compelling case that to waste that opportunity would be both perilous and foolhardy.
"A chilling and utterly convincing account of a cosmic menace that must not be ignored any longer. Duncan Steel writes with authority and credibility. This book is a welcome challenge to the scientific prejudice against catastrophism." Paul Davies, author of The Mind of God
Evidence of Earth′s encounters with killer comets and asteroids . . .
An enormous crater 180 kilometers across was recently identified in Mexico′s Yucatan Peninsula. The asteroid that created it 65 million years ago must have been larger than 20 kilometers. Was this gargantuan collision the cause of a global environmental disaster that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs? Fossil evidence shows that 90% of the terrestrial biomass was incinerated about the time of the asteroid′s impact. Did an asteroid crash spark a fireball that literally saw the Earth go up in flames?
About the author
DUNCAN STEEL, Ph.D., is a research astronomer at the Anglo–Australian Observatory and a research fellow at the University of Adelaide, Australia. A world–renowned authority on the comet hazard, he has served on both the Detection Committee and the Intercept Committee created by NASA to assess the threat of comet and asteroid collisions and investigate technologies to avert such impacts. He writes regularly for Sky and Space magazine.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
FREE
Within U.S.A.
Shipping:
£ 3.23
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Your Online Bookstore, Houston, TX, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Good. Seller Inventory # 0471308242-3-31943676
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 9742223-75
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects. Seller Inventory # GRP94952775
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # E13M-00766
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Ozark Relics and Rarities, Seneca, MO, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Seller Inventory # 503
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.6. Seller Inventory # G0471308242I3N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.6. Seller Inventory # G0471308242I4N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Atlanta, AUSTELL, GA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less 2.6. Seller Inventory # G0471308242I4N10
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002156570
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: The Maryland Book Bank, Baltimore, MD, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Used - Very Good. Seller Inventory # 9-S-4-0154
Quantity: 1 available