When the Sky Falls

When the Sky Falls is a global cultural history of shooting stars spanning from the prehistoric to the present day, and exploring beliefs, superstitions, and the relationship between humanity and meteors throughout time.

Structured across four parts – ‘Belief and Superstition’, ‘Shooting Stars’ Influence on History’, ‘Art, Culture and the Meteor’, and ‘Utilising Space Rocks’ – the book explores the varied influences the shooting star has had on our global culture and history from the governing of kings, queens and emperors, to folklore, superstitions, myths, art, music and literature, and even on the designs of ancient and present-day jewellery.

Within each section, the book traces a chronological path, concluding in the present day – an era largely devoid of superstition and belief – where, more than anything else, a shooting star symbolises hope: an irrational excuse to make a wish in an increasingly rational world. Despite (or perhaps because of) light pollution decreasing our ability to witness the night sky in the 21st century, the shooting star retains its magic. For anyone – from the tired Russian drivers who witnessed the Chelyabinsk Event in 2013, to the amateur stargazer catching a glimpse of a falling Perseid – a shooting star tearing through the black still feels like a little miracle: this book tells their captivating story.