Killer Rocks from Outer Space: Asteroids, Comets, and Meteorites(Discovery)

Koppes, Steven N.

ISBN 10: 0822528614 ISBN 13: 9780822528616

Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books, 2004

Synopsis

Describes the role that collisions with meteors, comets, and asteroids have played in the history of Earth and other planets in the solar system and examines what is being done to protect Earth from future collisions.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8--An attractive and readable look at planetary impacts by comets, asteroids, and meteorites. While Koppes focuses on the possibility of future impacts on Earth and the danger they present, his writing is not as sensationalistic as the title. The text describes historic impacts, including the recent collision of comet Shoemaker-Levy into Jupiter and evidence of past impacts on Earth, such as Meteor Crater and the Tunguska event, and on other planets. Impact scars on Earth and how scientists recognize them are covered. Related subjects include the extinction of dinosaurs, the lesser-known Permian extinction, and the possibility that past impacts delivered to Earth the chemical building blocks of life. Information on the Martian meteorites is included but neglects to explain how astronomers identified their place of origin. Final passages include recent and planned space missions to observe comets and asteroids, and proposals to protect Earth from future collisions. Informative color photos and other graphics enhance the utilitarian text. Raman Prinja's Comets, Asteroids and Meteors (Heinemann Library, 2002) describes smaller heavenly bodies but does not assemble as much detail on the story of past and probability of coming impacts as effectively.--Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH
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From Booklist

Gr. 7-10. With its Star Wars-like cover and zany title, this book might lead one to believe it's a wild take on astronomy. Not so, although the "killer rock" topic will certainly interest many readers. Koppes packs a wealth of facts into this modest-size volume, including information about how to recognize meteorites, impact craters, and scars; connections to dinosaur extinction; and the methods scientists are using to defend the Earth from cosmic disasters. The sophisticated language and the scientific terms (there's a glossary) won't suit reluctant readers, nor will the fairly text-heavy layout, although maps, diagrams, charts, and photographs do break up the text. Better readers, however, will find lots for reports or for personal interest. Included is a map of impact sites around the world, and a list of Web sites and further readings are appended. Jennifer Locke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Twenty-First Century Books
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0822528614
• ISBN 13: 9780822528616
• Binding: Library Binding
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 112