Cosmic Catastrophes: Seven Ways to Destroy a Planet Like Earth

by David A. Aguilar

In the vast realm of outer space, accidents happen all the time. Things bump into each other. Stars blow up. Space rocks smash into planets. Black holes gobble up everything in their path. The sun is burning out. A comet swarm is bearing down. Any of this could change—or even eliminate —life on a planet like Earth.

Countdown to cosmic catastrophes!

From asteroid hit to alien invasion, astronomer David Aguilar builds the scientific case for seven extreme events that could impact Earth. (Though not as we know most of these catastrophes are way down the cosmic line . . . we hope !) He tells an exciting nonfiction story about how and why these space catastrophes could happen and then creates beautiful, original art to show just how devastatingly spectacular it will be when any one of these seven “big ones” hit!

The SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION is the world’s largest museum and research complex. Founded in 1846, it includes nineteen museum and galleries, the National Zoological Park, and nine research facilities. Its vast collections house 138 million artifacts, specimens, and works of art, which represent our nation’s rich heritage, art from across the globe, and the immense diversity of the natural and cultural world.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Middle Grade

80 pages, Hardcover

First published June 14, 2016

About the author

David A. Aguilar is past Director of Science Information and Public Outreach at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, MA. A naturalist, astronomer, author and space artist, David’s expertise lies in showing us the fascinating connections between the universe and ourselves.

In 2015 he joined NASA's New Horizons Mission team to lead special media coverage for the historic PLUTO Flyby.

He is author and illustrator of seven National Geographic Society and three Random House Penguin books on space science.

2017's "7 Wonders of the Solar System" has garnered 2 book awards from the Nat'l Science Teachers Assoc, and the New York Public Library.

Other titles include: "Cosmic Catastrophes: Seven Ways to Destroy a Planet Like Earth"; ALIEN WORLDS" which examines just how surreal alien life may be throughout the Universe; "SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA" winner of the 2008 VOYA (Voice of Youth) Award; 13 PLANETS - winner of the 2011 Eureka Gold Award for best science book for kids; and the upcoming "7 Wonders of the Milky Way" for release in June 2018.

His books and space art have appeared on the BBC, the “UNIVERSE” series on the History Channel, ABC Nightly News, Time magazine, US News & World Report CNN, NY Times, USA Today, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, and Scientific American.

He is past Director of Fiske Planetarium and Science Center and the producer of the Science Discovery Program at University of Colorado Boulder; past Marketing Communications Director at Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation; and former Marketing Director for PBS’s Emmy-winning NOVA series, Evolution.

He is a Smithsonian Scholar Enrichment Lecturer and Harvard Expert Study Tour Leader. In 2010, asteroid 1990DA was named to honor his contributions to science education.

David and wife Shirley reside just outside Aspen, CO. For more information please flyby our site at: www.aspenskies.com or davidaguilar.org

Reviews

[Julia Farthing Kitay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a renown science fiction author, David Aguilar, "Cosmic Catastrophes" covers seven case scenarios in which the planet Earth could be destroyed, all of which seem very slim. The book is wonderfully illustrated. It starts off by describing the K-T Event (during the Cretaceous Tertiary Period when the dinosaurs were wiped off the face of the Earth). The author cites this asteroid event could happen again, but the chances are slim. The following six other chapters describe the other six case scenarios, including an alien invasion. Finally, the author describes how he creates his fantastic cosmic art by digitally painting on his computer using Photoshop. I wish I had that kind of creativity!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is found in the children's section at my library. I don't know why so many reviews are upset about the "easiness" of reading this book. It is meant for children or youth or beginners learning about space.

I thought this book was fun! I think it's interesting rather than dooming to learn about how the earth could be destroyed and David Aguilar specifically talks in a learning voice rather than a doom voice. He also explains how likely or unlikely each destruction of earth would be as well as precautions we have for more likely ones.

This is a great book for learning neat facts about things that have or could affect earth.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What better way to stimulate a curiosity for science than imagining all the ways the universe could kill our planet? The vocabulary is best suited to upper elementary, if not middle school, and the science is reasonably solid.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intended more for a middle-school audience, this is an illustrated list of 7 possible ways a planet like Earth could be destroyed. It includes a table of contents and index. Many of the 7 "ways" are collision-based, but there is also a topic on the sun's expansion, wandering black holes, and one on invading alien potential. The material includes measurements in both metric and imperial and is laid out similar to a simplified National Geographic article. The illustrations are interesting and there's a section about the illustrator and his process at the back.

Anything you didn’t like about it? The matter-of-fact science language is often co-opted by interjections attempting to make it "interesting" which just felt jarring. Also? Don't give this to young ones that you're attempting to CALM from any fears of Earth's destruction; many of the 7 topics end with some variant of "It's not likely...but you never know so keep your eye out!!" Not very calming...

To whom would you recommend this book? Recommend especially to those who like a good scare or who are curious about potential outer space tragedies.

FTC Disclosure: The Publisher provided me with a copy of this book to provide an honest review. No goody bags, sponsorship, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cringed a bit when I first saw this book - great pictures, but lots of tiny words. Instead of being a tedious scientific explanation sprinkled with conjecture and speculation, it was cleverly written and even entertaining. Yes, there is science and some speculation, but it is given in a way that makes you want to learn more. I especially enjoyed the section on black holes, those dark mysteries of space. I did not know that in 2014 an asteroid hit Russia that "released the explosive equivalent of 500,000 tons of TNT"! I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially those fascinated with space.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever worry about how the world will end and/or have anxiety issues, this is not the book for you.
But it's awesome if you don't have those problems! The artwork is amazing and I loved that Aguilar ended the book with how he created the illustrations of the end of the world. (And I *really* liked that he included the fact that aliens will not be invading anytime soon. So stop fretting, you Marvel fans!)

[G Wheeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but more of a cartoon than a book. Clearly geared toward middle schoolers worried about asteroids and aliens. The author shares how he created and photo-shopped the images, which are pretty cool. I gave it 3 stars because it was fun to read, upbeat, and thought provoking; but don't expect too much here in the way of hard science.

[Kelsey McLane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to read about all the ways our planet could be destroyed?! This nonfiction book on all things space and detrimental to our planet, also identifies that these catastrophes are VERY unlikely to happen, but it's still interesting to read about...and know this is what a lot of films are based on.