Includes index.

"A meteorite destroying Los Angeles? Another ice age? A star explosion? Impossible! not so, according to astronomer Gerrit Verschuur, who combines science fiction and science fact in this remarkable new book. 'Cosmic Catastrophes' predicts disasters on the largest possible scale, catastrophes that could destroy our entire planet. They could happen in a billion years or a thousand, in a decade... or tomorrow. A nearby star explodes; a large meteorite strikes the earth; the temperature drops 10º to produce an ice age; the magnetic field drops to zero; a black hole orbiting the sun churns the earth's oceans into huge tidal waves. Dr. Verschuur points out that we are an integral part of the universe--not just observers--and that cosmic events can and will affect our lives. he uses science fiction to explore some of the more chilling possibilities, then presents the science facts behind each of the potential disasters. 'Cosmic Catastrophes'--a fascinating book for armchair astronomers and science fiction buffs alike."--Pg. [4] of cover.

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