Comets - Nature and Culture

Radiating fire and ice, comets as a phenomenon seem part science, part myth. 2000 years ago when a comet shot across the night sky, it convinced the Romans that Julius Caesar was a god. In 1066, Halley's Comet was interpreted as a foreshadowing of the death of Harold the Second in the Battle of Hastings. Even today the arrival of a comet often feels auspicious, confirming our hopes, fears and sense of wonder in the universe. P. Andrew Karam takes the reader on a far-ranging exploration of these beautiful and dramatic objects in the skies, revealing how comets and humanity have been interwoven throughout history.

About the author

P. Andrew Karam is a scientist, consultant, and writer living in New York City. He specializes in topics related to radiation protection and cosmic radiation.

Summary

Comets takes the reader on a far-ranging exploration of these fascinating phenomena. Andrew Karam looks at the science of comets and how our scientific understanding of them has changed, as well as how comets have been depicted in art, religion, literature and popular culture.

Product details

• Authors: Andrew Karam, P. Andrew Karam
• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.10.2017
• EAN: 9781780238302
• ISBN: 978-1-78023-830-2
• No. of pages: 224
• Series: Earth
• Subjects: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Physics, astronomy > Astronomy; Non-fiction book > Nature, technology > Natural science