Megacatastrophes!
Nine Strange Ways the World Could End
Description
Acerbic dark humour meets hardcore science in this mind-boggling exploration of the nine worst ways the world could end
Which will get us first? The supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park? An asteroid hurtling through outer space? Black holes from CERN gobbling up the solar system? An army of deranged nanobots? Or - who knows - alien invasion?
Armed with lavish illustrations and their one-of-a-kind "Catastrophometer", Dr David Darling and Dr Dirk Schulze-Makuch introduce the disasters you never saw coming, unpicking the science that makes them genuine possibilities, and providing everything from survival tips to danger ratings. So sit back, face the inevitable, and discover the delights of the nine oddest ways the world could end.
About this Author
Dr David Darling is an astronomer, freelance science writer, and creator of one of the most popular online encyclopedias of space and astrobiology. He is the author of the bestselling Equations of Eternity. Dr Dirk Schulze-Makuch is Professor in Astrobiology at Washington State University. His research has been widely published in media ranging from academic journals to The New Scientist. Together they are the authors of the critically-acclaimed We Are Not Alone.
Reviews
Surprisingly good fun. Editor's Pick.
"A mix of good old-fashioned silliness and some fine science writing. Next time someone tells you, "Cheer up, it might never happen," throw this book at them."
"Accessible and entertaining... Brings often complex and abstract threats frighteningly to life."
"Curiously pleasurable... this will help you get your everday problems into perspective."
"Impressive... Reminds us that the air of reassuring omnipotence that our leaders like to project is mere illusion."
"A hearty dose of knowledge seasoned with humor... Clear and informative, this book is recommended for all readers of popular science."
Fascinating, if sometimes macabre ... A fabulous book that got better with every page - I couldn't put it down!
Nicely written, thoroughly researched, highly recommended. Doomsday is already marked in the calendar.
The entertaining selection of end-of-the world scenarios is the perfect excuse to learn about science, from the atomic to the galactic and from the terrestrial to the extra-terrestrial.Specially recommended for those who think that the end of humankind cannot cheer you up.
"A surprisingly cheerful look at the science of how humanity might meet a messy end, from incurable diseases to exploding stars. Who says reading about the end of the world needs to be grim?"
"Splendid! Stimulating, entertaining, and scientifically plausible."
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