BBC Future
TED Quotes | 7 June 2012

How to defend Earth from asteroids

Sixty-five million years ago the dinosaurs had a bad day. — Phil Plait

Synopsis

What's six miles wide and can end civilization in an instant? Astronomer and blogger Phil Plait reveals all the ways asteroids can kill, and what we must do to avoid them. Talk recorded 5 September 2011.

About the Speaker

Phil Plait blogs at Bad Astronomy, where he deconstructs misconceptions and explores the wonder of the Universe. Phil Plait is the Bad Astronomer. Not a bad astronomer, but a blogger for Discover Magazine who debunks myths and misconceptions about astronomy - and also writes about the beauty, wonder, and importance of fundamental research.

To comment on this video or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

BBC © 2013 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.