Colliding Worlds: How Cosmic Encounters Shaped Planets and Life

Simone Marchi's book "Colliding Worlds" explores how cosmic collisions shaped the solar system and our planet,from the creation of the Moon to influencing the evolution of life on Earth. Space exploration has shown that signs of ancient collisions are widespread,and these events have wreaked havoc on the planet's surface,influencing global climate and topography,while also enriching the Earth with gold and other rare elements.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Earth, a celestial wonder, emerged from the tumultuous and chaotic dance of colossal collisions in the early days of the Solar System, more than four billion years ago. Among these colossal clashes, the most significant one sent a shower of molten rocks into orbit, giving rise to the Moon. This momentous event, reminiscent of ancient mythical tales, marked the birth of our planet as we know it today.

Through the lens of space exploration, we have discovered that traces of ancient collisions are scattered throughout the Solar System, from the desolate and once-habitable Mars to the rugged asteroids. On Earth, these signs are more subtle, yet still catastrophic, such as the massive asteroid strike that likely wiped out the dinosaurs and countless other forms of life some 66 million years ago. Hidden within ancient rocks are the remnants of even more dramatic catastrophes, which wreaked havoc on our planet's surface, shaping global climate and topography, while also enriching the Earth with precious resources like gold and other rare elements.

Recent advancements in modern science have revealed that these cosmic collisions may have played a crucial role in creating the conditions that fostered life on our planet. In his captivating book, Colliding Worlds, Simone Marchi delves into the pivotal role that space collisions have played in the formation and evolution of our solar system, the birth of planets, and even the potential origin of life on Earth. By examining our latest understanding of the surfaces of Mars and Venus, gleaned from recent space missions, Marchi weaves a dramatic narrative of cosmic collisions and their enduring legacies.

Through his meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Marchi invites us to explore the intricate connections between the cosmos and our own planet, shedding light on the profound impact of these celestial collisions on the shaping of our world. Colliding Worlds is a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries of the universe, the wonders of space exploration, and the incredible journey of life itself.

Weight: 466g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198845409