(More) Unmissable Reads on Asteroids, Minor Bodies and Planetary Defence

In a previous article, we explored some notable English-language books about asteroids, offering readers a solid foundation on the topic. There are however many valuable publications in other languages that offer fresh insights into the complex world of asteroids. Let’s dive into some of these remarkable works and broaden our horizons even further.

The following publications in six languages investigate asteroids, impact risks, planetary defence strategies, and the compelling study of meteorites—fragments from space that land on Earth and help us understand the origins of the solar system. These international works provide unique insights, cultural viewpoints, and scientific contributions that enrich our overall understanding of these celestial bodies.

Spanish-language publications

• “La Tierra en Peligro. El Impacto de Asteroides y Cometas” (Josep M. Trigo Rodríguez – 2022)
• “Cometas y Asteroides” (Ramón Naves Nogues y Montse Campàs Torrent – 2018)
• “Asteroides Cercanos a la Tierra: ¿Cuál Es el Verdadero Riesgo?” (Rogelio Daniel Acevedo, Maximiliano C. L. Rocca, Juan Federico Ponce, Jorge Rabassa y Hugo Corbella – 2015)

French-language publications

• “A la Rencontre des Astéroïdes” (Patrick Michel – 2023)
• “Chasseur d’Astéroïdes” (Michel Ory – 2019)
• “Une Belle Histoire des Météorites” (Matthieu Gounelle – 2017)

German-language publications

• “Asteroidenabwehr: Wie Lässt Sich Ein Asteroiden-Einschlag Verhindern?” (Alexander Teegarden – 2023)
• “Achtung Steinschlag! Asteroiden und Meteoriten: Tödliche Gefahr und Wiege des Lebens” (Christian Köberl und Alwin Schönberger – 2018)
• “Asteroiden” (Thomas Hebbeker – 2018)

Portuguese-language publications

• “Histórias de Meteorito: Ou Meteoritos na História?” (Amanda Tosi e Maria Elizabeth Zucolotto – 2024)
• “Meteoritos” (Higor Martinez Oliveira – 2020)
• “Um Estudo Sobre O Impacto De Asteroides E Cometas Ao Planeta Terra: E Os Fenômenos Meteorológicos Decorrentes” (Otaviano de Almeida Júnior – 2019)

Italian-language publications

• “Come Acchiappare un Asteroide. Viaggio Alla Scoperta dei Corpi Celesti Minori che Ci Aiuteranno a Salvare la Terra” (Adrian Fartade – 2022)
• “Meteoriti. Frammenti di Universo. Un Legame Tra Cielo e Terra” (Claudio Morganti e Antonello Petriccione – 2022)
• “In Viaggio Tra Asteroidi e Comete” ( G. Cevolani e A. Piazzolla – 2021)

Luxembourgish-language publications

• “Kometen, Meteoren en Asteroïden (Ellen Labrecque – 2024)
• “Jagen op Asteroïden” (Ruth Owen – 2018)
• “Ons Zonnestelsel – Kometen, Meteoren en Asteroïden” (Mary-Jane Wilkins – 2017)

 

Highlighting books about asteroids can be both creative and exciting – organising engaging events provides a powerful way to inspire the general public and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Here are some ideas:

• Themed Book Club – Organise regular meetings (monthly or biweekly) centered on books about asteroids, meteorites, and planetary defence to promote debate and shared learning, with opportunities for annotated readings or discussions featuring special guests (such as authors or scientists).
• Expert Talks and Discussions – Invite astronomers, planetary geologists, science communicators or authors to talk about the subject of the books and how they connect with the latest discoveries.
• Skywatching + Reading Session – Combine an evening of observing asteroids, meteors, or lunar impact craters with engaging book readings on the topic. Held in planetariums, observatories, or under the night sky, these events will create a unique blend of exploration and storytelling.
• Thematic Fair or Exhibition – Present a book fair or exhibition featuring titles on asteroids, meteorites, and planetary science. Add excitement with space rock displays, replicas, and interactive materials to engage your audience and bring the theme to life.
• Educational Workshops – Set up hands-on activities such as crafting asteroid models from clay, simulating impact events, and identifying or classifying meteorites. Pair these with book excerpts that delve into the science behind these phenomena, complementing interactive learning with theoretical insights.
• Review or illustration contest – Encourage creativity with a contest for reviews or illustrations inspired by books about asteroids. Offer symbolic prizes and showcase the best entries to celebrate talent and spark interest in planetary science.

 

Don’t forget to share your top book picks about asteroids and register your upcoming events on our website!