Fire in the sky: cosmic collisions, killer asteroids, and the race to defend the Earth

Description

"An historical survey about asteroid hits sustained by Earth and the defenses being prepared against future asteroid-caused catastrophe"--;"Combining history, popular science, and in-depth reporting, here is a fascinating account of asteroids and other space objects that hit Earth long ago and those streaming toward us even now--as well as a look at the preparations humanity is making against asteroid-caused catastrophe. Journalist Gordon L. Dillow examines what a small but dedicated group of astronomers have long known--that someday Earth will be hit by an asteroid or comet of potentially catastrophic size. It has happened many times before, and it will happen again. Earth shares the Solar System with millions upon millions of asteroids large and small, and inevitably our world will collide with theirs. It's not a question of if, but rather, when. To save ourselves and future generations, we must improve our ability to identify dangerous space objects hurtling our way, and, just as critically, figure out how to deflect or destroy them--if we can. Rich in detail and vast in scope, [this book] is a scientific adventure story that takes us from scenes of ancient asteroid impacts, like the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, to mountaintop observatories where professional asteroid hunters seek their prey, to international conferences where experts play out "asteroid war games," to sightings of asteroids that sometimes explode in our atmosphere with the force of large nuclear bombs. Despite the grave dangers asteroids pose, Dillow finds in them awe-inspiring beauty, writing with infectious enthusiasm about their dramatic origins, their intricate journeys, and their odd shapes. More than just a call to action, Fire in the Sky is a testament to the wonders of the universe."--Dust jacket.;Impact! -- Miraculous apparitions in the ayre -- Asteroid minors -- Star wounds -- T-rex with a string of pearls -- Asteroid hunters -- Planetary defense -- Asteroid killers -- Asteroid wars -- Epilogue. Impact! -- Miraculous apparitions in the ayre -- Asteroid minors -- Star wounds -- T-rex with a string of pearls -- Asteroid hunters -- Planetary defense -- Asteroid killers -- Asteroid wars -- Epilogue.