Phil Plait has spent his life evangelizing science, getting the word out about the real world and how we know what we know about it.

Why you should listen

After spending a decade working on Hubble Space Telescope data and promoting science from a half dozen different NASA astronomical satellites, Phil Plait has gained a unique perspective on science and how the public understands it. He's written books on scientific misconceptions, cosmic catastrophes and even a collection of satirical nerd insults, each showcasing his passion for science as well as his sense of humor. His popular blog, Bad Astronomy -- hosted at different times by Discover Magazine and Slate, and now at SYFY Wire -- covers a lot of ground, from interesting scientific events here on Earth all the way out to the edge of the observable universe. He's given talks about science (and its nemesis, anti-science) around the world, has appeared in dozens of TV shows (including writing and hosting Crash Course Astronomy, a 46-part introduction to astronomy on YouTube). He lives in rural Boulder County, Colorado, with his family, two horses and four pet goats.

Phil Plait’s TED talks

More news and ideas from Phil Plait

Science

TED Weekends: A meditation on asteroids

December 23, 2012

In Phil Plait’s talk from TEDxBoulder, “How to defend earth from asteroids,” he astonishes the audience, sharing how a single rock hurtling through space could damage our civilization as we know it. This weekend, TED Weekends on the Huffington Post features Plait’s spine-tingling talk. Below, some of our favorite essays from this edition, about those big […]

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