How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense
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.
"1144794027"
How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense
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.
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How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense

How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense

by Robin George Andrews

Narrated by Graham Mack

Unabridged

How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense

How to Kill an Asteroid: The Real Science of Planetary Defense

by Robin George Andrews

Narrated by Graham Mack

Unabridged

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Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

Rebecca Renner

"Highly readable and engaging. . . . Exciting and surprisingly funny, How to Kill an Asteroid is a must read for space enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys good narrative science journalism."

Avi Loeb

"A captivating report on efforts to mitigate the worst existential risk that humanity faces. . . . A must read for space geeks and long-term-survival aficionados."

Col. Terry Virts

"A page-turner of a cosmic mystery about one of the most important subjects facing humanity—planetary defense from killer asteroids. Robin George Andrews is the perfect storyteller, making NASA science accessible for everyone."

Ferris Jabr

"Deeply researched and tenaciously reported, How to Kill an Asteroid is a detailed inside look at some of the most important recent undertakings in the history of space science…Robin George Andrews is a spirited, erudite, and humorous guide."

Dr. Moiya McTier

"Bookended by disparate visions of future asteroid encounters, Robin George Andrews’s storytelling and nerdy humor make the DART mission feel personal. Reading this book should assuage the fears of anyone worried that humanity will blaze out like the dinosaurs did."

Riley Black

"If we’re going to avoid the fate of the dinosaurs, we need to be looking toward the sky. Robin George Andrews vividly explains how we may do just that, drawing from decades of discovery and invention to think through how we might accomplish the seemingly impossible task of pushing back against an asteroid with Earth’s name on it."

Dante S. Lauretta

"Brilliantly captures the urgency and complexity of planetary defense, highlighting the innovative technologies and dedicated scientists working to protect Earth from these cosmic threats. A compelling and informative read for anyone interested in space exploration and the future of our planet."

Kristy Hamilton

"How to Kill an Asteroid is a testament to humanity’s ingenuity in the face of cosmic danger, and you will not find a more enthusiastic and skilled planetary guide than Robin George Andrews. With riveting detail and cinematic flair, the book catapults readers into a reality that feels like science fiction."

Product Details

BN ID: 2940192129500
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication date: 10/01/2024
Edition description: Unabridged
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