Impact! Asteroids and the science of saving the world

An asteroid crashes through the Earth's atmosphere, hurtling toward the Russian town of Chelyabinsk, its blast injuring more than 1,500 people. This scene isn't from the latest sf movie but the opening of this volume in the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series. With approximately 350 asteroids scattering meteorites across the Earth's surface each year, scientists study asteroids and the dangers they pose. Each chapter looks at a related topic through the lens of a scientist and his or her work, such as Marc Fries, a meteorite hunter and curator of space rocks for NASA. Other chapters focus on how geologists deduced that an asteroid impact caused the extinction of dinosaurs and how astronomers search for asteroids from Earth and in space. The final and perhaps most riveting chapter looks at proposed approaches to stopping a potentially hazardous asteroid. Accompanied by photographs of scientists in action and requisite space shots, the book concludes with citizen science connections and resources and is sure to have an impact on young astronomers. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.

Gr 4–7—Opening with the dramatic story of a fourth grade class's experience of the 2013 asteroid that landed in Chelyabinsk, Russia, this installment in the celebrated series tells of the study and the effects of asteroids in our solar system. This book describes the work done by several individual scientists who research asteroids, sharing how they collect data and use it to form coherent ideas about these astonishing rocks from space. Through the eyes of the scientists, readers learn about prehistoric collisions that shaped our planet, current methods used for observing asteroids, and what might be done to deal with the potential of a major impact in the future. The text makes complicated concepts understandable for younger readers without oversimplifying, and the accompanying photos and graphics are both informative and appealing. The scientists' enthusiasm for their work is palpable, which makes for compelling reading, and their experiences allow readers to visualize themselves in similar roles as they think about their futures. VERDICT Another excellent entry into the series. Purchase this to excite space buffs and inspire future scientists.—Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.

"Asteroids come in all shapes and sizes--and hit our planet in them, too. But what happens if a catastrophically large one approaches earth? By looking on the ground at historical asteroid craters and present-day falls, and up into space for the big onesyet to come, a wide variety of scientists are trying to figure out how to track asteroids--and how to avoid devastating impacts in the future."--

An introduction to the science of asteroid study reveals how while most asteroids are harmless, some have caused massive damage on Earth and are diligently tracked by today's scientists, who help create plans to address asteroid risks. 20,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.

Examines historical asteroid craters and present-day falls to explore the possibility of a catastrophic asteroid collision with Earth, and details how scientists are trying to figure out how to avoid devastating impacts in the future.

Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact. Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet. 

Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact. Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet. 

Asteroids bombard our atmosphere all the time. Some are harmless, burning up in a flash of light. But others explode with a great sonic boom, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. Worst of all, some asteroids strike our planet, blasting out massive craters and destroying everything nearby on impact. Follow the award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch into the field with scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have smashed into the ground, and make plans to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet. 

Asteroids bombard Earth all the time. Some burn up in a flash of light. Others explode, smashing windows and throwing people to the ground. But a few have hit our planet, destroying everything nearby on impact. Follow scientists as they search for dangerous asteroids in space, study asteroids that have crashed into the ground, and strive to prevent an asteroid strike if one ever threatens our planet.