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Phil Plait

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Philip Plait, also known as The Bad Astronomer, is an American astronomer, skeptic, writer and popular science blogger. Plait has worked as part of the Hubble Space Telescope team, images and spectra of astronomical objects, as well as engaging in public outreach advocacy for NASA missions.
6 books on the list
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The Orbital Perspective book cover
The Orbital Perspective
Lessons in Seeing the Big Picture from a Journey of 71 Million Miles
Ron Garan - 2015-02-02
Goodreads Rating
Astronaut Ron Garan reveals the global importance of the International Space Station (ISS) and shares his personal experiences living in orbit for six months. He explores how the audacity of the ISS can inspire us to overcome our greatest barriers and promote peace, combat hunger and poverty, and care for planet Earth. This book is a call to action for all of us to embrace new collaborative partnerships and processes.
Phil Plait
2022-12-16T19:05:05.000Z
This is a good book.      source
How to Take Over the World book cover
How to Take Over the World
Practical Schemes and Scientific Solutions for the Aspiring Supervillain
Ryan North - 2022-03-15
Goodreads Rating
Learn the art of supervillainy with this tongue-in-cheek guide to taking over the world. Discover the perfect location for your secret base, plan your zany heist, and master advanced technologies to control the weather, destroy the internet, and never die. But don't worry, it's not all evil. Author Ryan North also explores ways to mitigate climate change, improve human life spans, prevent cyberterrorism, and even make Jurassic Park a reality. Get ready for a fun and informative ride.
Phil Plait
2022-03-12T18:49:19.000Z
I'm a hundred pages in right now and this book is both funny and informatively interesting!      source
Why Does E=mc2? book cover
Why Does E=mc2?
Brian Cox - 2009-07-14
Goodreads Rating
Unlock the mystery of one of the most famous physics equations in the world with this accessible and entertaining read. Join two leading scientists as they explore the true meaning behind E=mc2, breaking down the symbols and tackling questions about energy, mass, and the speed of light. Using the Large Hadron Collider, they delve into the theory behind the origin of mass and examine the construct of our world in 4-dimensional space-time. A collaboration between two of the UK's brightest young professors, this book promises to be an exciting and enlightening explanation of the theory of relativity.
Phil Plait
2019-07-13T14:34:46.000Z
“Why Does E=mc^2” is a *great* book. It’s short, well-written, and makes it a lot easier to understand just why the speed of light is what it is.      source
Science Comics book cover
Science Comics
Solar System
Rosemary Mosco - 2018-09-18
Goodreads Rating
"Explore the wonders of the universe with Science Comics! This gorgeously illustrated graphic novel delves into the mysteries of our solar system, from Venus and its acid rainstorms to the heart of it all: the Sun. Join Sara and Jill as they journey on an exciting quest to discover the secrets of outer space and unravel the fascinating truths behind our Solar System. Whether you're a budding astronomer or just love a good adventure, Science Comics is the perfect read for you!"
Phil Plait
2018-09-18T19:09:59.000Z
This is a *REALLY* great book. And I’m not just saying that because the intro is brilliant, a finely honed and meticulously crafted paean to science and exploration. I’m saying it because it’s true.      source
Soonish book cover
Soonish
Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything
Kelly Weinersmith - 2017-10-17
Goodreads Rating
Discover the exciting and incredible possibilities for future technologies in this illustrated investigation by a top scientist and creator of the popular web comic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal. Explore the transformative technologies on the horizon, including robot swarms and nuclear fusion powered-toasters, and learn how they will change our world. With original research and interviews with pioneering scientists, this book explains the need for these innovations and the obstacles standing in their way, all accompanied by Zach's trademark comics.
Phil Plait
2017-11-03T17:17:23.000Z
I’m not saying this is the greatest book blurb of all time. I’m saying there has never been nor ever will be one better. (also buy the book)      source
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth book cover
An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth
What Going to Space Taught Me About Ingenuity, Determination, and Being Prepared for Anything
Chris Hadfield - 2013-10-29
Goodreads Rating
Learn how to make the impossible possible with the unconventional philosophy of Colonel Chris Hadfield, a decorated astronaut who survived nearly 4000 hours in space. In An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth, he shares eye-opening stories of his years of training and space exploration, revealing how to overcome crises and achieve happiness. His counterintuitive lessons include caring about what others think, never visualizing success, and sweating the small stuff. Discover how to think like an astronaut and transform your view of life on Earth.
Phil Plait
2013-10-30T03:53:11.000Z
I’m halfway through @Cmdr_Hadfield’s book “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth” and it’s wonderful. Go buy it.      source