Urban Legends from Space: The Biggest Myths About Space Demystified

(Paperback)

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Description

From chem trails to black holes and supernovas, misinformation about space travels faster than the speed of light. Even the facts we take for granted-like the earth spins once every 24 hours and you can see the Great Wall of China from space-are not as true as one would think. Urban Legends from Space helps you to tell science fiction from science fact. Whether or not you're into sci-fi or SpaceX, you've probably called a meteor a "falling star" and think astronauts float around in space stations because there's no gravity. Bob King, author of Wonders of the Night Sky and writer for Sky & Telescope magazine, explains the truth behind myths of navigation and landmarks, celestial bodies and government conspiracies. Compasses don't always point north; the sun isn't yellow and Galileo didn't invent the telescope. King explains why some people believed they found Bigfoot on Mars and many other myths-and provides us with concrete evidence to put those misconceptions to bed. No matter what you think you know, there's something new King can teach you about our universe.

Reviews

"In our age of misinformation and fake news, this book is the antidote. Bob takes on one cosmic myth at a time, and in the process he delivers a practical guide to observing and understanding our fascinating universe."
--Monica Young, news and web editor, Sky & Telescope

"Bob sets the record straight with easy-to-understand science-based explanations, and
his delightfully entertaining and knowledgeable insights."
--Nancy Atkinson, science journalist and author of Eight Years to the Moon

"With his unique style, Bob addresses a number of false beliefs, unveiling their weak points and giving you a chance to discover and understand what is around you. This book will be your anchor in the sometimes rough sea of modern global information."
--Gianluca Masi, astrophysicist and founder of the Virtual Telescope Project

Author Bio

Bob King is the author of Wonders of the Night Sky and Night Sky with the Naked Eye. He is also a member of the American Association of Variable Star Observers. He lives in Duluth, Minnesota.