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Urban Legends from Space: The Biggest Myths About Space Demystified
Fun, Outrageous Space Stories, Debunked!
In this Internet age where science fiction masquerades as fact, even the most rational person might find themselves Could NASA have faked the moon landings? Are we sure the government isn’t using chemtrails to experiment on people? And did NASA really spend millions on “space pens”?
Urban Legends from Space cuts through the fog of myth to bring the truth behind these questions, and 48 other celestial legends, out into the open. In examining the shaky claims behind these many misconceptions and taking us step-by-step through the concrete evidence that contradicts them, expert Bob King debunks each myth and exposes the scientific truth at its core. Along the way, King offers us the tools we need to become more discerning observers of the world around us and more responsible sharers of information overall.
In this Internet age where science fiction masquerades as fact, even the most rational person might find themselves Could NASA have faked the moon landings? Are we sure the government isn’t using chemtrails to experiment on people? And did NASA really spend millions on “space pens”?
Urban Legends from Space cuts through the fog of myth to bring the truth behind these questions, and 48 other celestial legends, out into the open. In examining the shaky claims behind these many misconceptions and taking us step-by-step through the concrete evidence that contradicts them, expert Bob King debunks each myth and exposes the scientific truth at its core. Along the way, King offers us the tools we need to become more discerning observers of the world around us and more responsible sharers of information overall.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 27, 2020
For a book that wants to correct scientific misinformation, it is disappointing that the title misuses the term "urban legend." Instead, these are conspiracy theories at worse to basic poor education at best about matters related to the planet Earth, what we call our Moon, other bodies in our solar system, and other interstellar topics. The science in the short essays is great (I read it with my Physicist hubby), but if the goal is to educate those who are not scientifically educated, the book has several problems.
The first is that the "legends" are often quickly brush over so that the bulk of the 41 essays can focus on the science and the history of the science. This was not objectively convincing because the incorrect idea isn't referenced enough for someone who might believe it in the first place.
The second problem is the tone of the text. It read to me as a non-scientist to be condescending from the choices of words, to the repeated information, and to the previous problem of not returning to the misinformation enough. The essays varied in their tones so some were better than others at being convincing.
The result is a book more for scientists and lay scientists to enjoy but I don't think it will change any flat-earthers minds.
The first is that the "legends" are often quickly brush over so that the bulk of the 41 essays can focus on the science and the history of the science. This was not objectively convincing because the incorrect idea isn't referenced enough for someone who might believe it in the first place.
The second problem is the tone of the text. It read to me as a non-scientist to be condescending from the choices of words, to the repeated information, and to the previous problem of not returning to the misinformation enough. The essays varied in their tones so some were better than others at being convincing.
The result is a book more for scientists and lay scientists to enjoy but I don't think it will change any flat-earthers minds.
May 2, 2020
A humorous and education examination at many of the astronomical urban legends floating around out there. Have you ever wondered if there is ninth planet hanging around just waiting to smash into Earth? How about lightspeed, interested in flying that fast? What about the legendary dark side of the Moon, is there REALLY an alien base there? And of course, did NASA fake the moon landing (and was it with or without Stanley Kubrick's help)? If you are seeking the answers to any of these questions, then "Urban Legends From Space: the Biggest Myths About Space Demystified" is for you.
November 13, 2019
Excellent book!!!
December 10, 2019
A great primer covering some well known myths about space. King gives a nice entry level look at myths and how they happen and what the real story is.
September 13, 2023
As an astronomy presenter I already knew most of the material, but Bob King did give it an entertaining take. There were a few errors of fact, possibly typos.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews