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Impact: How Rocks from Space Led to Life, Culture, and Donkey Kong | Greg Brennecka
3 posts | 3 read | 14 to read
A Short History of Nearly Everything meets Astrophysics for People in a Hurry in this humorous, accessible exploration of how meteorites have helped not only build our planet but steered the evolution of life and human culture. The Solar System. Dinosaurs. Donkey Kong. What is the missing link? Surprisingly enough, it's meteorites. They explain our past, constructed our present, and could define our future. Impact argues that Earth would be a lifeless, inhospitable piece of rock without being fortuitously assaulted with meteorites throughout the history of the planet. These bombardments transformed Earths early atmosphere and delivered the complex organic molecules that allowed life to develop on our planet. While meteorites have provided the raw materials for life to thrive, they have radically devastated life as well, most famously killing off the dinosaurs and paving the way for humans to evolve to where we are today. As noted meteoriticist Greg Brennecka explains, meteorites did not just set us on the path to becoming human, they helped direct the development of human culture. Meteorites have influenced humanity since the start of civilization. Over the centuries, meteorite falls and other cosmic cinema have started (and stopped) wars, terrified millions, and inspired religions throughout the world. With humor and an infectious enthusiasm, Brennecka reveals previously untold but important stories sure to delight and inform readers about the most important rocks on Earth.
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Chelsea.Poole
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We most likely owe the formation of our precious life-sustaining earth to meteorites. The ongoing study of the origin of our planet, solar system, and the biggest question of all — “how did it all begin?” is mind blowing and one that makes me feel both incredibly small but also lucky to live in this time with information based on years of study! I loved this down to earth (har-har!) funny, plus informative audiobook.

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RamsFan1963
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98/150 This is the kind of science book I enjoy most, crammed with interesting information, but also littered with lots of amusing pop culture references. I learned a lot about meteorites that I didn't know before, and the narrator kept the story entertaining and bouncy, never felt dry or like I was listening to a lecture. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2nd book finished for #JubilantJuly @Andrew65

Bookwomble Sounds good - I'll see if our library can get it 🤞🏻😊🔭☄️ 2y
Andrew65 Fantastic 👏👏👏 2y
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Megabooks
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This interesting pop sci book is just what I needed this weekend. #NerdVibes 🤓

Greg is a meteorite scientist, and he takes the reader through the history and current study of meteorites. From the early huge impact that formed the moon to modern hunters and prospectors, they have played a large role in the formation of Earth and how we may be able to find rare elements in the future. The #audiobook narration is great!

Megabooks #ImUnplanned #nonfiction22 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa because this was definitely an unplanned random library find, but it was good! 3y
Cinfhen Glad your beautiful nerd brain loved this…but it‘s probably a pass for me xx 3y
Riveted_Reader_Melissa Sounds like great fun to me!!! 3y
Megabooks @Cinfhen 😘😘😘 3y
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