Bad Astronomy by Phil Plait
(out of 5 stars)
Dr. Plait's Bad Astronomy is a first-rate introduction to astronomy-related myths and the real facts you should know. This book is intended as a primer for curious but otherwise beginning science readers. If you have read other popular science books, you probably don't need most of the info contained in this book. Plait sets straight many different myths, including why the sky is blue (not from ocean reflections) and why toilets flush the way they do (hint: it is not due to the rotation of the earth). Basic concepts are covered and popular but ignorant misconceptions are cleared up.
While this book was not really for me (I did skim through a few chapters), it is an excellent resource for someone interested in learning more about astronomy or science myths. Plait's writing is very easily digested and he is good at clearly defining his concepts. The section on debunking astronomy-related creationist points is well formed and should be a solid framework for smacking down those arguments. Three stars for me personally since I prefer more advanced treatment of astronomy, but solidly recommended for beginning science readers or those whose astronomy experience is very low.
