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| Death from the Skies!: These Are the Ways the World Will End . . . | 
 enlarge | Author: Ph.d., Philip Plait
Publisher: Viking Adult
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
Buy New: $15.49
You Save: $10.46 (40%)
New (28) Used (5) from $15.49
Avg. Customer Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 2896
Media: Hardcover
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 336
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.8 x 1.3
ISBN: 0670019976
Dewey Decimal Number: 520
EAN: 9780670019977
ASIN: 0670019976
Publication Date: October 16, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Brand new Book, ALL days Low Price !
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Product Description
A lively astronomy primer that uses cataclysmic scenarios to explain the universes most fascinating events.
According to astronomer Philip Plait, the universe is an apocalypse waiting to happen But how much do we really need to fear from things like black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and supernovae? And if we should be scared, is there anything we can do to save ourselves? With humor and wit, Plait details the myriad doomsday events that the cosmos could send our way to destroy our planet and life as we know it. This authoritative yet accessible study is the ultimate astronomy lesson.
Combining fascinatingand often alarmingscenarios that seem plucked from science fiction with the latest research and opinions, Plait illustrates why outer space is not as remote as most people think. Each chapter explores a different phenomenon, explaining it in easy-to-understand terms, and considering how life on earth and the planet itself would be affected should the event come to pass. Rather than sensationalizing the information, Plait analyzes the probability of these catastrophes occurring in our lifetimes and what we can do to stop them. With its entertaining tone and enlightening explanation of unfathomable concepts, Death from the Skies! will appeal to science buffs and beginners alike.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 A great educational read November 23, 2008
A fantastic description of the terrors lurking in the Universe. Dr. Plaitt presents them in an entertaining and informative fashion.
As Gripping as it is Informative November 17, 2008
I can't praise this book enough! This gifted author, a renowned astronomer, discusses the various ways in which our world could end due to catastrophes of a cosmological/astrophysical nature. In order to do this, he must explain the scientific principles involved and relate them to the ways in which we could meet our end - in morbid detail. For all of these events, probabilities are given regarding their possibly occurring during our own lifetimes, as well as whether any are actually preventable. The prose is simply outstanding; it leaves the reader breathless! The author's passion and excitement for his subject matter are quite contagious. Not only is the writing style clear and authoritative, but it's also immensely accessible. Using wit, humor, excellent analogies and everyday language, the author weaves each potential disaster tale in such a way that both general readers and scientists alike can relish them. Reading this book is the most pleasant way that I can think of for learning of human-race-annihilating disasters. This book can be enjoyed by anyone!
GRBs, Black holes, Galactic Cannibalism and more lurk within... November 13, 2008
But how much of your day do you need to worry about such events? Space may look peaceful, but its full of suprises, some beautiful, some down right frightening, and some so far a way that we don't know about them yet.
Philip presents a "What if..." Scenario in each chapter and then lays pretty much everything out for you in easy to read dialog. There is a little math, but nothing major, as I said easy to read. I should tell you right now that this is NOT science fiction, it is indeed fact. Philip takes the time to talk in great details about things, yet making it easy to understand.
I do recomend this book for anyone who is curious and likes to ask questions, "what if....?" as well as "what are the odds of this event happening?"
Pick up the book, open up your mind, but don't let your guard down
Sciency Doom! November 6, 2008
This book is a great read, whatever your background. Science fiction readers will probably be familiar with most of the scenarios presented here, but Plait has a great style that presents the material in an entertaining manner for that audience. For those who never thought about the dangers that lurk everywhere, the book is be a great compendium of the perils of the universe for life on Earth. But it is all presented with the reassurance that it will *probably* not happen any time soon... we hope!
Phil Plait: The Bad Astronomer, not the Bad writer :D November 5, 2008
This is the kind of book you always hope for, but rarely get: full of great science and end-of-the-world scenarios that are actually feasible. What's more interesting: crystal skulls that are magically linked to the Mayan calendar, or the sun blowing up - and we know why? I'll take the sun blowing up any day :D
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