Comments on: Big Announcement Part 1: My next book! http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/ I am an astronomer, writer, and skeptic. I likes reality the way it is, and I aims to keep it that way. My real name is Phil Plait, and I run the Bad Astronomy blog. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:23:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Wes http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34246 Wes Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:18:17 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34246 I actually think that you are the best person Ive EVER seen on youtube of the internet (and Im on for HOURS every day). I actually think that you are the best person Ive EVER seen on youtube of the internet (and Im on for HOURS every day).

]]> By: Wes http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34245 Wes Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:40:21 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34245 One more thing. I hope to find your book somewhere and hopefully purchase it, because the way you speak is kind of the way you right, and it's not all mono tone. Thanks. -Wes, Age 13 One more thing. I hope to find your book somewhere and hopefully purchase it, because the way you speak is kind of the way you right, and it’s not all mono tone.
Thanks.

-Wes, Age 13

]]> By: Wes http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34244 Wes Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:38:01 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34244 I just LOVE your youtube videos. I just discovered them today. I am so facinated by the complexity and thought of the entire universe. Your videos of all of the questions from kids has tought me SO MUCH today, and I understood every single part of it. I have found out that, I think EXACTLY, and I mean EXACTLY like you, but I am one of those people who cant get their thoughts out in verbal expression (speech) or onto paper. I felt that your love for science and the way you described it and explained it, is just heart warming. Thank you Phil. Thank you. -Wes, age 13 I just LOVE your youtube videos. I just discovered them today. I am so facinated by the complexity and thought of the entire universe. Your videos of all of the questions from kids has tought me SO MUCH today, and I understood every single part of it. I have found out that, I think EXACTLY, and I mean EXACTLY like you, but I am one of those people who cant get their thoughts out in verbal expression (speech) or onto paper. I felt that your love for science and the way you described it and explained it, is just heart warming.
Thank you Phil. Thank you.

-Wes, age 13

]]> By: Astrolink [Global Edition] » Location, location, location | Latest astronomy news in 11 languages http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34243 Astrolink [Global Edition] » Location, location, location | Latest astronomy news in 11 languages Thu, 19 Apr 2007 04:14:32 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34243 [...] hard to know just how far away you can be from a supernova and still survive (hmmm, that could be a really cool chapter in an upcoming book, I bet) but it’s safe to say that the clock is ticking for any star in that [...] [...] hard to know just how far away you can be from a supernova and still survive (hmmm, that could be a really cool chapter in an upcoming book, I bet) but it’s safe to say that the clock is ticking for any star in that [...]

]]> By: All about the Bad Astronomer « Skeptigator http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34242 All about the Bad Astronomer « Skeptigator Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:00:02 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34242 [...] on April 16th, 2007 Phil Plait, AKA the Bad Astronomer, has some interesting announcements here about his forthcoming book, here about quitting his job and here about him moving. He is also the latest interview over at [...] [...] on April 16th, 2007 Phil Plait, AKA the Bad Astronomer, has some interesting announcements here about his forthcoming book, here about quitting his job and here about him moving. He is also the latest interview over at [...]

]]> By: BMurray http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34241 BMurray Wed, 11 Apr 2007 20:35:29 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34241 I hope that, as with any proper threat analysis, you will list mitigations. I hope that, as with any proper threat analysis, you will list mitigations.

]]> By: Joel Kilgore http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34240 Joel Kilgore Wed, 11 Apr 2007 12:38:07 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34240 Phil, The book idea sounds great, and I love the reason you are writing it, however, Sam Wise has a really good point. Providing the revrend 'Bob' in Tennessee isn't preaching Armageddon the title shouldn't be confusing nor linking your book to his web site. Most folks seem to refuse to link religion and astronomy anyway. If there is a concern here, I think 'Above' relates to anything from overhead on a gravitational or spiritual (power) prospective. Since there really is no 'Above' nor 'below' once we leave our atmosphere would a different title be appropriate? Plus the reverend 'Bob' wouldn't be sharing or trying to share the same title. Just a thought.... Phil,

The book idea sounds great, and I love the reason you are writing it, however, Sam Wise has a really good point. Providing the revrend ‘Bob’ in Tennessee isn’t preaching Armageddon the title shouldn’t be confusing nor linking your book to his web site. Most folks seem to refuse to link religion and astronomy anyway.

If there is a concern here, I think ‘Above’ relates to anything from overhead on a gravitational or spiritual (power) prospective. Since there really is no ‘Above’ nor ‘below’ once we leave our atmosphere would a different title be appropriate? Plus the reverend ‘Bob’ wouldn’t be sharing or trying to share the same title.

Just a thought….

]]> By: JB of Brisbane http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34239 JB of Brisbane Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:43:04 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34239 Congrats, Phil. I look forward to reading it. I bought your first book at a very appropriate location - the visitor centre for the Parkes radio telescope. I only hope I do not have to go back there to buy your second book. Didn't Heisenberg have something to say about trying to calculate breadth and depth simultaneously? Congrats, Phil. I look forward to reading it. I bought your first book at a very appropriate location – the visitor centre for the Parkes radio telescope. I only hope I do not have to go back there to buy your second book.

Didn’t Heisenberg have something to say about trying to calculate breadth and depth simultaneously?

]]> By: james http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34238 james Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34238 Oh, and good luck Oh, and good luck

]]> By: james http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34237 james Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:58:49 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34237 deathfromtheskies.co.uk deathfromtheskies.net deathfromtheskies.org all up for grabs :-) deathfromtheskies.co.uk
deathfromtheskies.net
deathfromtheskies.org

all up for grabs :-)

]]> By: George http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34236 George Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:50:10 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34236 [Something is amiss. Hold out for some nice bucks, BA. :)] [Something is amiss. Hold out for some nice bucks, BA. :) ]

]]> By: daedalus2u http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34235 daedalus2u Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:15:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34235 The consistency of an asteroid doesn't matter very much. A nuclear explosion would deflect it. The major interaction is via x-rays. The matter that asteroids are composed of is optically thick to x-rays, so they are well absorbed, and heat the immediate surface very hot to a very shallow depth, causing that material to ablate off. The fission products are swept away by this ablated material. A porous material would likely be better than something solid. Idealy, you would want the shock waves to not spall material off and generate lots of clutter that would likely destroy every satellite in orbit. A 1 MT explosion in rock melts about 1 MT of rock. You could easily vaporize 10 kT of rock if it was close enough. That is a lot of momentum. The consistency of an asteroid doesn’t matter very much. A nuclear explosion would deflect it. The major interaction is via x-rays. The matter that asteroids are composed of is optically thick to x-rays, so they are well absorbed, and heat the immediate surface very hot to a very shallow depth, causing that material to ablate off. The fission products are swept away by this ablated material.

A porous material would likely be better than something solid. Idealy, you would want the shock waves to not spall material off and generate lots of clutter that would likely destroy every satellite in orbit.

A 1 MT explosion in rock melts about 1 MT of rock. You could easily vaporize 10 kT of rock if it was close enough. That is a lot of momentum.

]]> By: Irishman http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-2/#comment-34234 Irishman Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:53:33 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34234 Some of the asteroids in question have the consistency of cotton candy (not <i>taste</i>, but consistency ;) ). A nuclear blast would likely be absorbed without affecting the flight path. The give in the material absorbs the kinetic energy - an "inelastic" collision. Phil, where did announcement 2 go? Some of the asteroids in question have the consistency of cotton candy (not taste, but consistency ;) ). A nuclear blast would likely be absorbed without affecting the flight path. The give in the material absorbs the kinetic energy – an “inelastic” collision.

Phil, where did announcement 2 go?

]]> By: Saganfan http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34233 Saganfan Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:30:04 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34233 Big Announcement Part 2: A bunch of other stuff that happened! www.badastronomy.com/bablog/ - 9 Apr 2007 http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=79068 ...so, did you quit your job? It's been posted on two different forums so far, including BAUT? Big Announcement Part 2: A bunch of other stuff that happened! http://www.badastronomy.com/bablog/ – 9 Apr 2007
http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=79068
…so, did you quit your job? It’s been posted on two different forums so far, including BAUT?

]]> By: A Ler…-- Rastos de Luz http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34232 A Ler…-- Rastos de Luz Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:38:49 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34232 [...] “Big Announcement Part 1: My next book“, no Bad Astronomy. Vem aí o próximo livro de Phill Plaitt. Pessoalmente, é um dos novos nomes da divulgação que eu mais aprecio. Vai-se chamar “Death from the Skies”. Entretanto, continua-se à espera que “Bad Astronomy” seja editado em português…eu sei…tenho de esperar sentado [...] [...] “Big Announcement Part 1: My next book“, no Bad Astronomy. Vem aí o próximo livro de Phill Plaitt. Pessoalmente, é um dos novos nomes da divulgação que eu mais aprecio. Vai-se chamar “Death from the Skies”. Entretanto, continua-se à espera que “Bad Astronomy” seja editado em português…eu sei…tenho de esperar sentado [...]

]]> By: ace http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34231 ace Tue, 10 Apr 2007 17:37:25 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34231 i envy you. and i wish you all the best. i envy you. and i wish you all the best.

]]> By: Angelo http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34230 Angelo Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:28:50 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34230 I bought the last book and thoroughly enjoyed it. looking forward to your next. I bought the last book and thoroughly enjoyed it. looking forward to your next.

]]> By: Lo'ihi http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34229 Lo'ihi Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:44:19 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34229 It's odd. Only the quote went through without my comment. I will try again. GRB - United we perish. No time for a chaos or a limb to wager. small asteroid - Genes are mightier than civilization. I lose and your limb will remain intact. But protect your net from ash. Oh, and don't forget to revise down the civilization factor in Drake's equation. Humans don't seem to have any chance for a contact. It’s odd. Only the quote went through without my comment. I will try again.

GRB – United we perish. No time for a chaos or a limb to wager.

small asteroid – Genes are mightier than civilization. I lose and your limb will remain intact. But protect your net from ash. Oh, and don’t forget to revise down the civilization factor in Drake’s equation. Humans don’t seem to have any chance for a contact.

]]> By: Lo'ihi http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34228 Lo'ihi Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:38:54 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34228 >>>I’m willing to wager my entire net worth that it would do no such thing. And I wager a limb the chaos on the Earth would increase. >>>I’m willing to wager my entire net worth that it would do no such thing. And I wager a limb the chaos on the Earth would increase.

]]> By: Gillianren http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34227 Gillianren Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:05:36 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34227 Hooray! I'll spring for this one in hardcover, even, and get it when it comes out as opposed to when my local bookstore goes out of business--and I'll demand either a sticker again or that you go on book tour so I can either see you there or make my mom go to your signing in her area! Hooray! I’ll spring for this one in hardcover, even, and get it when it comes out as opposed to when my local bookstore goes out of business–and I’ll demand either a sticker again or that you go on book tour so I can either see you there or make my mom go to your signing in her area!

]]> By: Astrolink [Global Edition] » Big Announcement Part 2: A bunch of other stuff that happened! | Latest astronomy news in 11 languages http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34226 Astrolink [Global Edition] » Big Announcement Part 2: A bunch of other stuff that happened! | Latest astronomy news in 11 languages Tue, 10 Apr 2007 06:03:51 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34226 [...] Part 1 of our story, we learned that Phil Plait, in his role as The Bad Astronomer, has landed a second book contract. [...] [...] Part 1 of our story, we learned that Phil Plait, in his role as The Bad Astronomer, has landed a second book contract. [...]

]]> By: The Bad Astronomer http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34225 The Bad Astronomer Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:10:14 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34225 Yikes, a lot of comments! The title isn't set in stone, but I like it. Too bad about the URL, but that's OK. Maybe it'll lapse by then. The asteroid chapter deals extensively with how to move them. Nukes are not a great option for many reasons. I won't go into detail here... I want you to buy the book! The hardcover comes out first, and the paperback about a year later. I am avoiding doing More Bad Astronomy on purpose! I don't want to have a book that's just an extension of the first one. It will typecast me, if you will, and I'm looking to branch out a bit. Yikes, a lot of comments!

The title isn’t set in stone, but I like it. Too bad about the URL, but that’s OK. Maybe it’ll lapse by then.

The asteroid chapter deals extensively with how to move them. Nukes are not a great option for many reasons. I won’t go into detail here… I want you to buy the book!

The hardcover comes out first, and the paperback about a year later.

I am avoiding doing More Bad Astronomy on purpose! I don’t want to have a book that’s just an extension of the first one. It will typecast me, if you will, and I’m looking to branch out a bit.

]]> By: ABR http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34224 ABR Tue, 10 Apr 2007 01:15:49 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34224 Ray Gray, If I'm remembering my Niven and Pournelle correctly, I think the accepted method is to use multiple layers of ziploc baggies and then place the books in the septic tank. This was in case of comet impact, so I don't know what to do in case of GRB or other disaster. Perhaps that will also be a chapter in the new book? Ray Gray,

If I’m remembering my Niven and Pournelle correctly, I think the accepted method is to use multiple layers of ziploc baggies and then place the books in the septic tank. This was in case of comet impact, so I don’t know what to do in case of GRB or other disaster. Perhaps that will also be a chapter in the new book?

]]> By: Tom http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34223 Tom Tue, 10 Apr 2007 00:09:19 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34223 Sorry I forgot to congratulate you in the previous post. To break your previous sales record, try to get it featured on Oprah! Sorry I forgot to congratulate you in the previous post. To break your previous sales record, try to get it featured on Oprah!

]]> By: Cindy http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/comment-page-1/#comment-34222 Cindy Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:32:43 +0000 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2007/04/08/big-announcement-part-1-my-next-book/#comment-34222 Phil, I'm sure you write faster than I do. Happy writing vibes. Phil,

I’m sure you write faster than I do. Happy writing vibes.

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