Impact!

October 1, 2017
In space and on Earth, scientists study asteroids in hopes of avoiding a disaster like the one that befell the dinosaurs.In this latest title in the long-running series, the author of The Mighty Mars Rover (2012) introduces researchers investigating smaller solar-orbiting space rocks: asteroids. Opening with a gripping description of fourth-graders' experience of an asteroid strike in Russia in 2013, she explains what and where asteroids are and how they threaten our planet. Subsequent chapters follow several scientists: meteorite hunters; an impact crater specialist who explores Meteor Crater near Flagstaff, Arizona; an astronomer who uses a major telescope in Arizona to look for unknown near-Earth asteroids; the (female) principle investigator for NASA's Near Earth Object Wide Infrared Survey Explorer mission; and an Indian-American astronomer, also working in Arizona (and the only nonwhite scientist profiled), identifying the origin of meteorites. One, David Kring, is the man whose research led to the identification of the crater off Yucatan left by the asteroid that changed Earth's climate, causing the extinction of 75 percent of plants and animals alive at the time, including dinosaurs. Rusch concludes with a short list of possible methods for dealing with an asteroid that actually threatens Earth and includes a long, useful list of books and websites for reader involvement and further research.Lavishly illustrated with Anderson's photographs, this wide-ranging sample of asteroid science presumes quite a bit of previous knowledge but will reward the enthusiast. (Nonfiction. 12-16)

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November 1, 2017

Gr 4-7-Opening with the dramatic story of a fourth grade class's experience of the 2013 asteroid that landed in Chelyabinsk, Russia, this installment in the celebrated series tells of the study and the effects of asteroids in our solar system. This book describes the work done by several individual scientists who research asteroids, sharing how they collect data and use it to form coherent ideas about these astonishing rocks from space. Through the eyes of the scientists, readers learn about prehistoric collisions that shaped our planet, current methods used for observing asteroids, and what might be done to deal with the potential of a major impact in the future. The text makes complicated concepts understandable for younger readers without oversimplifying, and the accompanying photos and graphics are both informative and appealing. The scientists' enthusiasm for their work is palpable, which makes for compelling reading, and their experiences allow readers to visualize themselves in similar roles as they think about their futures. VERDICT Another excellent entry into the series. Purchase this to excite space buffs and inspire future scientists.-Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2017
Grades 6-9 An asteroid crashes through the Earth's atmosphere, hurtling toward the Russian town of Chelyabinsk, its blast injuring more than 1,500 people. This scene isn't from the latest sf movie but the opening of this volume in the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series. With approximately 350 asteroids scattering meteorites across the Earth's surface each year, scientists study asteroids and the dangers they pose. Each chapter looks at a related topic through the lens of a scientist and his or her work, such as Marc Fries, a meteorite hunter and curator of space rocks for NASA. Other chapters focus on how geologists deduced that an asteroid impact caused the extinction of dinosaurs and how astronomers search for asteroids from Earth and in space. The final and perhaps most riveting chapter looks at proposed approaches to stopping a potentially hazardous asteroid. Accompanied by photographs of scientists in action and requisite space shots, the book concludes with citizen science connections and resources and is sure to have an impact on young astronomers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)