Meteorite

How Stones from Outer Space Made Our World

By: Tim Gregory

Narrated by: Tim Gregory

Explore the universe and immerse yourself in the story of our solar system, planet, and life through meteorites. "Meteorite is a treasure"--Wall Street Journal

Meteorites have long been seen as portents of fate and messages from the gods, their fiery remains inspiring worship and giving rise to legends that have persisted for millennia. But beyond the lore, meteorites tell an even greater story: that of our solar system. In Meteorite, geologist Tim Gregory shows that beneath the charred crusts of these celestial stones lies a staggering diversity of rock types. Their unique constituents, vibrant colors, and pungent smells contain thrilling tales of interstellar clouds, condensing stardust, and the fiery collisions of entire worlds. Gregory explores the world of meteorites to uncover new insights into what our solar system was like before our sun became a star, into the forging of our planet, and into the emergence of life on it. Humans have long looked to the skies for answers to big questions. Meteorite reveals how science is finally arriving at those answers.

Critic reviews

"Meticulously researched and eminently readable…Meteorite is a treasure"—Robert M. Thorson, Wall Street Journal

"I have a new book to recommend. In Meteorite, chemist and geoscientist Tim Gregory weaves a colorful tapestry of historical and scientific stories with an eye towards the latest developments. A passionate communicator, Gregory conjures environments and events far outside the human experience."

—Meenakshi Wadhwa, Nature

"Gregory is a geologist with an enthusiasm for storytelling."—Kate Greene, New York Times

"A captivating blend of painstaking detective work and dramatic cosmic events. The impact that rocks from space have had on our culture, and on our knowledge of where we come from -- and where they come from -- may surprise you. As will their impact on the planet of course, should you be lucky enough to see a 'fall.'"—Jon Butterworth, author of Smashing Physics

"Tim Gregory gets it. He has an uncanny ability to swiftly understand, to clearly explain, and to be joyful."—Chris Hadfield, astronaut

"A solid education that is so detailed it will appeal mostly to amateur astronomers and geologists."—Kirkus

Excellent Book for lovers of Meteorites

I was looking for a good book to read about meteorites and I’m glad I choose to read Meteorites by Tim Gregory. It’s a well written book, with fascinating stories about meteorites. I also learned much about the different types. I highly recommend this book.

enthusiasm , wow

Enthusiasm of the author makes this subject so interesting. Few could accomplish this. He truly has a love and talent for his subject.

One of the best Earth creation books ever

Books that explain how the universe, the solar system and the Earth were created generally leave me in the dust what with all of the the chemical interactions, combinations, transformations and the like. I've basically stopped trying to wade my way through them. "Meteorite", however, is different. The author is very clear throughout the book whenever he talks about chemical reactions, etc and their resulting consequences. I was able to follow his descriptions with very little difficulty (a couple of places did leave me clueless, but that's almost a given taking into consideration my ignorance when it comes to chemistry on this level). His description of the roll of meteorites in the life of our solar system was mind-expanding for me, leaving me with a much deeper appreciation of how the various planets, moons , asteroids and other objects within it have long, complicated and unique relationships with one another. I found "Meteorite" to be one book that has significantly changed my understanding of our planet and our near universal neighbors.

The author read his own book and it's one of the few times I've found that to be a wise decision. His voice and accent are one of a kind and it works perfectly with the subject of this book. I totally enjoyed his presentation.

I cannot recommend "Meteorite" highly emough!