Bad Astronomy Audiobook By Philip Plait cover art

Bad Astronomy

Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax"

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Bad Astronomy

By: Philip Plait
Narrated by: Kevin Scullin
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Dr. Philip C. Plait sets the record straight on many modern hoaxes and myths. Appalled that millions of Americans don't believe in the moon landing, or that an egg stands on its end only on the vernal equinox, Plait hilariously spills the truth and informs us of scientific inaccuracies in our everyday vernacular.

©2002 Philip Plait (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science History History & Philosophy Science

Critic reviews

"Plait succeeds brilliantly because his clear and understandable explanations are convincing and honest." (Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant  
as a nonastronomer i found myself to be convinced of several of the concepts debunked in this, but the author’s understanding of how this misinformation is spread and follow up on it makes even the most misinformed reader feel okay about that and pleased to have learned more.
also, deeply love when academics point blank state something is “wrong,” you know that someone has gotten into a fist fight over it

fun commentary and explanation

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I thought I would already know most of the "bad astronomy," but I was surprised by how much I didn't know. but either way, this book was entertaining and informative in general.

Great read, even if you're familiar with the topic

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Great details that are easy to understand. He refers back to other parts to help the reader review prior information if forgotten. The humor was great too!

The science explained clearly

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This book promises quite a lot in the subtitle. I must admit, I expected a deep dive into the science - but this was not quite as deep as I had expected.

The author fails to provide an overarching narrative other than 'science good, pseudoscience bad' - all well and good, but I suspect that very few believers in garbage are going to actually listen to reality.

Interesting but disjointed.

Good, but not great

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Fantastic book! It was really fun to listen to this in 2023 and see scientific progress and discoveries since this book was published!

6 stars for the narrator! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Must listen for everyone!

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Setting aside the author's periodic rants on less-informed beliefs or simply less scientific opinions, this book is interesting as well as fun. I almost marked it down 1 overall star due to that hint of cynicism occasionally going a little too long. I think his later book, Under Alien Skies is even better. Though I enjoyed the great debunking work that both books provide as a refreshing duo of narratives.

Fun science and debunking of psuedo-science

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Book is out of date and written for those with almost no background knowledge in astronomy.

Out of Date

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