How to Kill an Asteroid, Robin George Andrews
How to Kill an Asteroid, Robin George Andrews
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How to Kill an Asteroid
The Real Science of Planetary Defense

Author: Robin George Andrews

Narrator: Graham Mack

Unabridged: 11 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 10/01/2024


Synopsis

A gripping account of the "city-killer" asteroids that could threaten Earth and the race to build a planetary defense system.

There are approximately 25,000 "city killer" asteroids in near-Earth orbit—and most are yet to be found. Small enough to evade detection, they are capable of large-scale destruction, and represent our greatest cosmic threat. But in September 2022, against all odds, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission deliberately crashed a spacecraft into a carefully selected city killer, altering the asteroid's orbit and proving that we stand a chance against them.

In How to Kill an Asteroid, award-winning science journalist Robin George Andrews—who was at DART mission control when it happened—reveals the development of the technology that made it possible, from spotting elusive asteroids and comets to figuring out their geologic defenses and orchestrating a deflection campaign. In a propulsive narrative that plays like a sci-fi thriller, Andrews tells the story of the planetary defense movement, and introduces the international team of scientists and engineers now working to protect Earth.

About Robin George Andrews

Robin George Andrews is a science journalist with a PhD in volcanology. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, National Geographic, Scientific American, Atlas Obscura, and other publications. He lives in London, England.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Rebecca on May 06, 2024

I had the honor of blurbing this book. Here's what I said: "If you ever lie awake at night dreading Earth's impending doom from an asteroid impact, you should read Robin George Andrews's How to Kill an Asteroid. In this highly readable and engaging book, you'll learn about the science of planetary d......more

Goodreads review by Wayne on June 22, 2024

The authors writing style is easy to understand. It is thoroughly supported by a detailed bibliography which reflects in depth organization and knowledge on the subject matter. Although entertaining, this work is also an excellent reference for further study.......more

Goodreads review by Ramello on April 02, 2025

It took quite some time to finish this book, but every time I picked it up, I enjoyed every second. Written like a novel, this book gives you exactly what it said it would, the real science of planetary defense. It's the perfect mix of non-fiction, science, and storytelling, with a splash of comedy......more

Goodreads review by Sam on April 07, 2025

Love anything space. The author reports great things going on at The University of Washington Astronomy department (I took astronomy 101 there). Book primarily focuses on city killer asteroids and the DART mission. Learned a lot. Great book.......more

Goodreads review by Charlotte on February 27, 2025

What a great read! Fun and so informational!......more