Syzygy by Frederik Pohl

Paperback. Condition: Good. 1982. Bantam Books.

Scientists and psychics are predicting eruptions and earthquakes that could devastate half the earth, caused by a rare conjunction of the planets. It's called SYZYGY.

A ruthless land speculator decides to make a quick killing by starting a panic. Then others cash in on the Syzygy Effect for their own greed: a crackpot cult preaching doom, a politician out for votes, a quack scientist out to make the headlines.

When California is paralyzed by brush fires and flash floods, hysteria explodes. Only a dedicated scientist and a beautiful NASA astrophysicist can prevent massive destruction. But they're up against forces that will stop at nothing to keep the truth from getting out.