The Quest for Comets: An Explosive Trail of Beauty and Danger

by David H. Levy

The brilliant trailing beauty of fiery comets has inspired fear, wonder, and awe since the dawn of human history. Brighter than stars, moving and disappearing in their own singular orbits, comets have been among the most mysterious elements in the sky, eluding our understanding until very recently. With the aid of space probes, scientists have discovered that these swiftly moving chunks of ice and carbon are more plentiful and far more dangerous than suspected. Scientists are also beginning to realize the monumental role played by comets in the development of the Earth and solar system. David Levy describes in dramatic detail the thrilling yet often devastating effects of comet collisions. In the dawn of our solar system, the Earth was barraged with comets that may have carried the materials necessary to lay the foundations for life on this planet. Levy also presents compelling evidence for later comet collisions, including those of the age of dinosaurs. Great impacts, Levy asserts, not only caused the extinction of the dinesaurs, but ushered in new species of life. As Levy so clearly explains, scientists are realizing that comet collisions are virtually inevitable. Levy reveals possible future collisions with the Earth and describes the terrible risks to life they would pose. He even shows how we might prepare to withstand the impact of large comets in the future.

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

About the author

David Levy is a prominent astronomer and author, most famous for his co-discovery in 1993 of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which collided with the planet Jupiter in 1994.

Levy was born in Canada, but now lives in Arizona. He has been involved with astronomy, as an observer, promoter, and author, for his entire adult life. Levy has discovered twenty two comets, given innumerable lectures, television appearances, and published articles in the major science and astronomy magazines.

He gained a Phd in English literature in 2010. There is an asteroid named in his honour, Levy 3673. He is married to Wendee Levy.

Reviews

[Buddy Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've been seeking for a while: one that gives me the POV of a comet hunter. The only criticism I have is that it's a little old. I'll find the equivalent in more recent vintage when possible. Meanwhile, this book lets one go along on the major comet-hunting expeditions of the past 500 years (at least--there is speculation about the finding of comets even before CE). It also gave me something I wanted, which was how one would go about hunting for such dimly lit objects (that is, dimly lit until they burst into everyone's view as they approach perihelion). It's also well-written and very engaging. I would highly recommend it.

[Preston Pendergraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some of the technology is mentioned is out of date, this is still a David Levy book so therefore it is awesome. His writing is just first rate.

[MisterFweem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review is here:

http://www.misterfweem.blogspot.com/2...

To sum up: I've read better science books. Levy sounds less like a poet/scientist, which is what I like to read, and more like a knowledgeable uncle who keeps on talking long after most everybody's lost interest.