Cosmic Debris

What It Is and What We Can Do About It

• Summarizes what we know about cosmic debris and delivers a thought-provoking analysis of what we still don’t know
• Contains suggested observational projects for amateur astronomers to find the objects discussed
• Presents a readable and digestible evaluation of the nature of matter ‘left over’ from the birth and formation of the universe

This book examines the mysterious and the well-studied debris in Earth’s crowded neighborhood. From orbiting comets to the workings of the Asteroid Belt, and from meteor showers to our home-grown network of orbiting satellites, the full diversity of space objects and the debris they create is explored.

Powell also discusses some of the current research techniques used to find potentially harmful rogue elements, with an emphasis on keeping watch for any objects that may intersect Earth’s orbit. Such bodies also impact other worlds, and much has been learned from observing these encounters.

The information in this book is intended to foster thought about the universe in which we live, but without overloading its readers with numbers and lecture-room analysis. Like a good thriller, it allows its readers to pace themselves with the story and, by the end, encourages them to draw their own conclusions.

Contents:

• Defining Cosmic Debris
• Minor Planets and Asteroids
• Comets
• Meteors and Meteorites
• Fireballs
• Near-Earth Objects
• Life Givers or Life Takers?
• Our Own Debris
• Observing Meteors and Meteor Showers
• Observing Comets and Asteroids
• Endgame

The author Jonathan Powell is a native of South Wales. With an interest in astronomy and related subjects since the late 1970’s, Jonathan has written for UK national astronomical magazines, and broadcast on the topic at both regional and national level for BBC Radio, dating back to 1985.