The Jupiter Effect: The Planets as Triggers of Devastating Earthquakes

by John Gribbin, Stephen H. Plagemann, Isaac Asimov (Foreword)

The planets as triggers of devastating earthquakes.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

178 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1976

About the author

John R. Gribbin is a British science writer, an astrophysicist, and a visiting fellow in astronomy at the University of Sussex. His writings include quantum physics, human evolution, climate change, global warming, the origins of the universe, and biographies of famous scientists. He also writes science fiction.

Reviews

[Aaron Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually enjoyed this book. What I liked the most is how they explore the science of earthquakes from the basics of plate tectonics to how outside influences can effect the whole. Now the interesting part is when they start discussing the sun, moon and planets ability to influence the chances of earthquakes. The authors predicted disaster in 1982 for san andreas fault line and LA in particular. This is based on all the planets being on the same side of the sun creating a chance for an unique disaster. It is unfortunate that the authors didn't expand their research to beyond the san andreas. The last time this planetary alignment occured was 1809 I believe and according to their data on alignments greatest activity happens with two year periods. 1811 the New Madrid quake happened which was utterly devastating. It fits the bill for their research. Might have to read the next volume they came out with to see if they fixed their theory or expanded it or not.

[Johnathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's fun to go back and read how science has changed through the times. I feel that this book might have had a lot of newer ideas when it came out. However, compared to today's education I feel I learned a lot about this in high school. Now, I did learn a few things in this book, example would be how they classify earthquakes. I also learned they predicted a major earthquake to hit the San Andreas fault around 1982. It's cool to read the predictions and learned how they viewed climate change. Honestly, a good book to read still. While a little outdated (Mentioning Pluto as a planet) it is still a good educational book.