Rain of Iron and Ice shows us the unmistakable evidence—from spaceprobe flybys of the planets to the scars on our own Earth—of cataclysmic comet and asteroid impacts. By comparing what we know about the earth’s geology and paleontology with the ages of the other planets and moons in our solar system, Lewis makes the strongest case yet for sudden, dramatic extinctions and assesses the risks to planet Earth.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This volume informally yet comprehensively surveys meteorites (which reach the surface of the earth) and meteors (which don't)-their origins, types, consequences and prospects for influencing future events. Author Lewis, codirector for science at a NASA/University of Arizona research center, is passionate and upbeat on the topic. Addressing the general reader, he recounts apt anecdotes in historical context while outlining a commonsensical framework for understanding the scientific scope and nature of the matter that comes to earth from space. Early chapters describe legendary meteorite falls. Subsequent chapters consider, for example, new knowledge from studies of nuclear explosions, cratering on Mars and Mercury, atmospheric effects on Venus and biological signatures of impacts in earth fossil records. Very interesting are results of computer simulations based on the accumulated discoveries, which project what we can expect from future encounters. Overall, Lewis presents an impressively readable and informative digest of current knowledge on the subject.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
News flash: After 200 years of touting the uniformity principle, scientists have discovered catastrophism. Of course, there has always been evidence of destruction coming from the heavens: The Book of Revelations, Charles Fort, medieval astrologers, Christian Millenialists, and Immanuel Velikovsky have all insisted upon it. But now, after centuries of debunking such theories, science proclaims its official dictum: cataclysm is possible, indeed probable. Rain of Iron and Ice traces the history of religious and scientific beliefs about meteorite falls, cometary eruptions, and asteroid near-misses and reviews eschatology (the literature of such catastrophes). Lewis, a noted planetary scientist and impact crater expert and author of Space Resources (LJ, 9/15/87), follows the fascinating study of bombardment on the Earth, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. He outlines the results of computer simulations and the implications for the future of life on Earth, offering suggestions as to "what we can do about it." Lewis does a fairly thorough job of reviling experts for scoffing at superstition and ignoring the vast quantities of eyewitness reports, but he stays within the bounds of establishment science (there are no footnotes to Velikovsky). Following Duncan Steel's more lay oriented Rogue Asteroids and Doomsday Comets (LJ 5/1/95), this scholarly history is suitable for academic libraries and informed science readers in public libraries.?Valerie Vaughan, Hatfield P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Dr. Lewis is an acknowledged expert on the topic of impacts, and it shows. His writing is clear and vivid; his descriptions of impact events are some of the best (and most chilling) I have read. There is a wealth of detail about potentially hazardous asteroids and comets, yet he never talks above the reader's head. As a professional astronomer myself and one who has talked about this subject many times, I highly recommend this book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
John S. Lewis uses his extensive knowledge of asteroids and comets to create "Rain of Iron and Ice", the most authoritative work on the cosmic threat that I have read to date.
Most fascinating and frightening about the book is the computer simulations of impacts at various locations around the world. The scenarios are a reminder of exactly how vunerable the Earth is to a threat that is largely misunderstood and taken for granted.
Serious students of asteroid and comet impact will appreciate the technical accuracy with which Lewis delivers the material. Those picking up the book for the first time will be surprised with the ease of readability and the easy flow of the author's words.
The accuracy and readability of "Rain of Iron and Ice" will leave no doubt as to just how real the threat asteroids and comets pose to our planet.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
An excellent book, both for the beginner, or for the serious student of cosmic impact. The author takes us on a tour of impacts through the solar system, and then back through the history of our own planet, revealing some disturbing evidence of past impact. If you're looking for a good book on the subject, this is it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent, everybody should read this one.
Dr. Lewis presents such amazing information which is really important in understanding what has happened on Earth in the past and will likely do so in the future. Read more
Published 1 month ago by David M. Barker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Well researched.
I have found the progress of scientific inquiry very amusing at times. The concept of catastrophic change is one that has been very slow to be grasped by the scientific community. Read more
Published 12 months ago by J. Skuja
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dusted, But Obligatory Reading
If you are still debating, which of the two 1998 Hollywood flicks, "Deep Impact" or "Armageddon", is the better comet catastrophe movie, you will get delivered from this nagging... Read more
Published on April 5, 2008 by Bonam Pak
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative Yet Chilling Read
This book by John Lewis is very intriguing read. Roughly 220 pages with fifteen chapters, and easy to read. Read more
Published on February 16, 2008 by Zadius Sky
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't worry about my review -- just read the book
This fine book is designed primarily with one goal in mind. Aimed at a popular audience, it is written to counteract the unfortunately widespread myth that no one has ever been... Read more
Published on June 9, 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best book for the lay reader
This book is a natural five-star. It clearly and eloquently discusses the threat from asteroids and comets. Read more
Published on March 11, 2002 by Jerald R Lovell
4.0 out of 5 stars
It "Rocks"
__________________
The need for radioastronomy to detect near Earth objects on the day-side is documented in this book. Read more
Published on December 18, 2000 by Holy Olio
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kaboom! (But you'd never hear it coming...)
This is a truly great science book: it combines accuracy and completeness with readability. It's even entertaining, though scary as hell. Read more
Published on September 13, 2000 by Van.
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 23
books:
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38
books
cite this book:
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- Principles of Geology (Penguin Classics) by Charles Lyell on page 15
- A History of the Franks (Penguin Classics) by Gregory of Tours in Back Matter
- The Time Machine (Penguin Classics) by H.G. Wells on page 86
- The Time Machine by H. G. Wells on page 86
- The Invisible Man and The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells on page 86
See all 23 books this book cites
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson on 4 pages
- The Mars Mystery: The Secret Connection Between Earth and the Red Planet by Graham Hancock on 4 pages
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson in Back Matter (1), Back Matter (2), and Back Matter (3)
- Bad Astronomy: Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax" by Philip C. Plait on page 139, page 140, and Back Matter
- Countdown To Apocalypse: A Scientific Exploration Of The End Of The World by Paul Halpern on page 274, and page 280
See all 38 books citing this book
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