Astronomy, space and time Books

Book SynopsisExplore the daily lives of children around the world through the lens of a single, special day in June, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and the shortest in the southern hemisphere.

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Book SynopsisASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS is a friendly and accessible guide to our universe, our galaxy, our solar system and the planet we call home. Each year as we cruise through space on this tiny blue-green wonder, a number of amazing and remarkable events occur. For example, like clockwork, we''ll run head-on into asteroid and cometary debris that spreads shooting stars across our skies. On occasion, we''ll get to watch the disk of the Moon passing the Sun, casting its shadow on the face of the Earth, and sometimes we''ll get to watch our own shadow as it glides across the face of the Moon. The Sun''s path will constantly change across the daytime sky, as will the stars and constellations at night. During this time, we''ll also get to watch the other majestic planets in our solar system wander the skies, as they too circle the Sun in this elaborate celestial dance.ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS will explain this elaborate celestial dance - the patterns of the heavens, the equinoxes and the solstices, the major meteor showers, and the solar and lunar eclipses. In addition, Astronomy For Beginners will also take you on a guided tour of the solar system and beyond. We''ll discover how the way we measure time itself is intimately related to celestial phenomena, and we''ll furthermore explore our historical and continuing mission to understand our place in this marvelous universe in which we find ourselves.Oh yeah, one more thing: ASTRONOMY FOR BEGINNERS will not only help you become an expert in space and time - but it also promises to be a pretty fun ride!

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Book SynopsisThe prevailing scientific view of the world just doesn't work! Our most precious and accepted scientific principles, built over millennia by luminaries including Einstein, Darwin and Hawking, are all built on one basic idea, that time is a straight line. However, logical contradictions that arise are given ever-more improbable explanations to fill the gaps - string theory, dark matter, parallel universes. It just doesn't add up. But what if time is not a straight line? What if time is a circle with a relatively short repeating cycle? Then everything falls neatly into place. Welcome to Flash Time: a revolutionary new world view Flash Time is a revolutionary new way of looking at the universe and our place in it by seeing time as a cycle rather than a line. As a result, our most persistent scientific inconsistencies are swept away, along with all our biggest scientific assumptions, and a new `Theory of Everything' that really works is presented. A truly mind-bending book that will change how you think about the world around you.

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Book SynopsisWritten in an accessible style, this unique book aims at describing the Nobel prize winning works in astronomy to readers who only have a background of high school physics. It gives a glimpse of the work done by those prize-winning astronomers at the forefront of research and the state-of-the-art techniques used for that, to an interested reader. There have been 11 years when Nobel prizes in physics have been given to astronomers. These award-winning works cover almost the entire subject of astronomy, starting from stellar structure all the way to cosmology. The prizes have been divided in 7 categories which are described in 7 chapters. For each prize a brief biography of the winner(s) is given first. The subject of the award is put into context and the reader is reminded of all the basic concepts needed for understanding the work before, finally, the prize-winning work is described. This enjoyable book will give the interested reader an excellent overview of the highlights and development of astronomy of the 20th and early 21st century.Table of ContentsFor detailed ToC see attachments

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Book SynopsisChapter 1.What is the Fermi Paradox?.- Chapter 2.The Immensity of the Universe.- Chapter 3.Drake's Equation.- Chapter 4.Stellar Formation.- Chapter 5.Solar Systems with Planets.- Chapter 6.Habitable Exoplanets.- Chapter 7.Life and Exoplanets.- Chapter 8.Intelligent Life.- Chapter 9.Communication.- Chapter 10.Alien Transmission Duration.- Chapter 11.The Drake Equation: Putting All Together.- Chapter 12.First Hypothesis: We Are Alone.- Chapter 13.The Great Filter Hypothesis.- Chapter 14.The Zoo Hypothesis.- Chapter 15.The Dark Forest Hypothesis.- Chapter 16.The Aestivation Hypothesis.- Chapter 17.The Berserker Hypothesis.- Chapter 18.The Many Universe Hypothesis.- Chapter 19.A Daring Hypothesis: Alien Visitation.- Chapter 20.The Case for Extraterrestrial Life.

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Book SynopsisGiven the fact that there are perhaps 400 billion stars in our Galaxy alone, and perhaps 400 billion galaxies in the Universe, it stands to reason that somewhere out there, in the 14-billion-year-old cosmos, there is or once was a civilization at least as advanced as our own. The sheer enormity of the numbers almost demands that we accept the truth of this hypothesis. Why, then, have we encountered no evidence, no messages, no artifacts of these extraterrestrials? In this second, significantly revised and expanded edition of his widely popular book, Webb discusses in detail the (for now!) 75 most cogent and intriguing solutions to Fermi's famous paradox: If the numbers strongly point to the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, why have we found no evidence of them?Reviews from the first edition:"Amidst the plethora of books that treat the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence, this one by Webb … is outstanding. … Each solution is presented in a very logical, interesting, thorough manner with accompanying explanations and notes that the intelligent layperson can understand. Webb digs into the issues … by considering a very broad set of in-depth solutions that he addresses through an interesting and challenging mode of presentation that stretches the mind. … An excellent book for anyone who has ever asked ‘Are we alone?’." (W. E. Howard III, Choice, March, 2003)"Fifty ideas are presented … that reveal a clearly reasoned examination of what is known as ‘The Fermi Paradox’. … For anyone who enjoys a good detective story, or using their thinking faculties and stretching the imagination to the limits … ‘Where is everybody’ will be enormously informative and entertaining. … Read this book, and whatever your views are about life elsewhere in the Universe, your appreciation for how special life is here on Earth will be enhanced! A worthy addition to any personal library." (Philip Bridle, BBC Radio, March, 2003)Since gaining a BSc in physics from the University of Bristol and a PhD in theoretical physics from the University of Manchester, Stephen Webb has worked in a variety of universities in the UK. He is a regular contributor to the Yearbook of Astronomy series and has published an undergraduate textbook on distance determination in astronomy and cosmology as well as several popular science books. His interest in the Fermi paradox combines lifelong interests in both science and science fiction.Trade ReviewSelected by Choice magazine as an "Outstanding Academic Title" for 2015“There are 397 notes and 21 pages of references. The arguments are engaging, clearly reasoned, and accessible to general readers. … This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of extraterrestrial intelligence. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels.” (T. Barker, Choice, Vol. 53 (3), November, 2015)Table of ContentsForeword.- Preface to the Second Edition.- Preface to the Third Edition.- Where is Everybody?.- Of Fermi and Paradox.- They are (or were) Here.- They Exist, But we Have Yet to See or Hear From Them.- They Don`t Exist.- Conclusion.- Notes.- References.- Index.

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Book SynopsisKeeping in mind that we can only see the universe from the comfort of our home galaxy, Bascom begins his text by meticulously laying the necessary groundwork to understand the Big Bang’s mathematics without using any equations. He then paints a freeze-frame picture of our universe as if we had taken a three-dimensional picture with a giant camera. Within this picture, he traces forces beginning with the smallest (a single atom) to the biggest (the cosmos), keeping in mind that in this frozen moment everything further away from the observer spatially is also further away from the observer in time; that is, older. Soon a very real and very vivid image of the Big Bang appears (especially in things that are loud or hot), echoing down through time and into our everyday lives, reflected in every atom during every measurement. Then, slowly but deliberately, Bascom unfreezes this picture, ratcheting each moment from one to the next, showing us how and why quantum particles are constantly in contact with the Big Bang and why that allows the particles to pop in and out of existence from moment to moment, what a photon is, and what exactly we mean when we say that free space has energy. Whether you’re interested in the Big Bang, the weirdness of quantum mechanics, or simply enjoy thinking about the biggest, loudest, and oldest things in our universe, this book will help you question your deepest notions about time and space, while staying firmly rooted in empirical observation. Throughout the text, Bascom sidesteps traditional non-fiction modes, using colorful explanations and vivid imagery to place the reader in simultaneous contact with both the Big Bang and fundamental particles. As a result, Bascom provides the tools and language necessary to contemplate the strangeness of our universe.Table of Contents1. Introduction.- 1.1 Putting Now at the Center.- 1.2 Putting Past at the Edge.- 2. Narrative Time.- 2.1 Making Vs Unmaking Matter.- 2.2 Melting Velcro or "A bit about Thermodynamics".- 3. Narrative Space.- 3.1 Discontinuous Space.- 3.2 The Shape of The Big Bang.- 4. Narrative Energy.- 4.1 Frame Rates.- 4.2 Narrative Frames.- 4.3 Local Vs Global Energy Ancestors.- 5. Snaps, Crackles and Pops.- 5.1 Whips.- 5.2 Pops.- 5.3 Shockwaves.- 6. Phasing it All Together.- 6.1 Orbitals.- 6.2 Charge and Spin.- 6.3 Light Bulbs.- 6.4 Slits.- 7. Everything is Spinning.- 7.1 Trapped inside a giant spinning marble.- 8. Conclusion.- 8.1 What it all means.

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From the ampersat and amerpsand, via smileys and runes to the ubiquitous presence of mathematical and other symbols in sciences and technology: both old and modern documents abound with many familiar as well as lesser known characters, symbols and other glyphs. Yet, who would be readily able to answer any question like: ‘who chose π to represent the ratio of a circle’s diameter to its circumference?’ or ‘what’s the reasoning behind having a ⌘ key on my computer keyboard?’ This book is precisely for those who have always asked themselves this sort of questions. So, here are the stories behind one hundred glyphs, the book being evenly divided into five parts, with each featuring 20 symbols. Part 1, called Character sketches, looks at some of the glyphs we use in writing. Part 2, called Signs of the times, discusses some glyphs used in pol­itics, religion, and other areas of everyday life. Some of these symbols are common; others are used only rarely. Some are modern inventions; others, which seem contemporary, can be traced back many hundreds of years. Part 3, called Signs and wonders, explores some of the symbols people have developed for use in describing the heavens. These are some of the most visually striking glyphs in the book, and many of them date back to ancient times. Nevertheless their use — at least in professional arenas — is diminishing. Part 4, called It’s Greek to me, examines some symbols used in various branches of science. A number of these symbols are employed routinely by professional scientists and are also familiar to the general public; others are no longer applied in a serious fashion by anyone — but the reader might still meet them, from time to time, in older works. The final part of the book, Meaningless marks on paper, looks at some of the characters used in mathematics, the history of which one can easily appreciate with only a basic knowledge of mathematics. There are obviously countless others symbols. In recent years the computing industry has devel­oped Unicode and it currently contains more than 135 000 entries. This book would like to encourage the curious reader to take a stroll through Unicode, to meet many characters that will delight the eye and, researching their history, to gain some fascinating insights. ​

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Book SynopsisThis book highlights the technological and managerial fundamentals and frontier questions of space science. Space science is a new interdisciplinary and comprehensive subject that takes spacecraft as the main tools to study the planet Earth, the solar-terrestrial space, the solar system, and even the whole universe, to answer significant questions covering the formation and evolution of the solar system and the universe, the origin and evolution of life and the structure of the material. The book introduces major scientific questions in various branches of space science and provides related technological and managerial knowledge. It also discusses the necessity of international cooperation and elaborates on the strategic planning of space science in China. The book can be used as a reference book or textbook for scientists, engineers, college students, and the public participating in space science programs.Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Chapter 1: Reasons to conduct research in spaceChapter 2: History of Human Space Exploration Chapter 3: Major frontiers in space science (I)Chapter 4: Major frontiers in space science (II)Chapter 5: Space Systems Engineering and Its SystemsChapter 6: Technical fundamentals (I): orbit, attitude and TT&CChapter 7: Technical fundamentals (II): scientific payloads and its application environment Chapter 8: Technical fundamentals (III): Mission Planning and Operations Chapter 9: Managements (I): Call for Mission Proposals and Its SelectionChapter 10: Managements (II): Mission Development and the Duty of Scientists and EngineersChapter 11: Managements (III): Quality Management and Risk ControlChapter 12: Managements (IV): Full Mission Lifecycle Management and Output EvaluationChapter 13: International CooperationChapter 14: Strategic Planning of Space Science in ChinaChapter 15: Relations of Space science, Space Technology and Space Applications

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Book SynopsisExciting new information on the origin and evolution of the universe, the birth of planets, life on our solar system's outer moons, runaway black holes, the first gravitational waves, an enigmatic interstellar visitor and more. Recent discoveries have spawned a host of questions about the universe that couldn't even be imagined a decade ago..

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Book SynopsisA spectacular pictorial history of astronomical exploration, for anyone who has gazed at the sky and wondered what lies beyondTrade Review"Sun and Moon amply demonstrates that the efforts of scientists and explorers to comprehend our wider environment arises from an appreciation of beauty as well as the pursuit of reason-from hearts as well as minds."—Timothy Ferris, bestselling author and filmmaker (hailed by the Washington Post as "the best science writer of his generation.")"...A sublime history of man and space rendered in gorgeous detail."—Outer Places"Sun and Moon is a thrilling catalog of important cosmic discoveries."—Cool Hunting"...A deeply researched, richly photographed history of modern space exploration... Sun and Moon captures our progress and our enduring fascination with space."—Worth.com"Sun and Moon celebrates our fascination with the skies above."—Werd.com"...A quintessential coffee-table book by Mark Holborn that traces centuries of beyond-Earth imagery and imagination."—Geekwire"...is a thrilling catalog of important cosmic discoveries...[it] gives new (and old) insight to curious readers."—Cool Hunting"Holborn marries history, sociology, art and science to unpick the ways that space has defined our existence here on Earth… This all-encompassing view of our relationship with space is made all the more enjoyable by the rich visual material that has been amassed…the true gems are densely packed photographs that capture the wonders of our stars, made possible by rapidly changing technologies. To be able to comprehend the surface of the moon, or the wonders of the Eagle Nebula and the Whirlpool Galaxy, is something truly heavenly."—Elephant magazine"Taken as a whole, the book shows how dreary life on Earth would be without the beauty of the sun by day and the splendor of the moon at night."—Air and Space/Smithsonian Magazine"Capturing a sense of the infinite unknown that enraptures dedicated stargazers, Mark Holborn's Sun and Moon: A Story of Astronomy, Photography, and Mapping is an extensive-and stunning-visual history of space exploration. Elegantly designed, with nearly 300 images, Sun and Moon is an altogether grand retrospective of humankind's attempts to make sense of the mysteries of space."—BookPage"In the year of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, a design editor's approach to the cosmos, tracing the side-by-side developments of artistic and scientific attempts to explain it."—The New York Times Online"In the year of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, a design editor's approach to the cosmos, tracing the side-by-side developments of artistic and scientific attempts to explain it."—The New York Times

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Book SynopsisAfter a few billion years of bearing witness to life on Earth, of watching one hundred billion humans go about their day-to-day lives, of feeling unbelievably lonely, and of hearing its own story told by others, The Milky Way would like a chance to speak for itself. All one hundred billion stars and fifty undecillion tons of gas of it.It all began some thirteen billion years ago, when clouds of gas scattered through the universe's primordial plasma just could not keep their metaphorical hands off each other. They succumbed to their gravitational attraction, and the galaxy we know as the Milky Way was born. Since then, the galaxy has watched as dark energy pushed away its first friends, as humans mythologized its name and purpose, and as galactic archaeologists have worked to determine its true age (rude). The Milky Way has absorbed supermassive (an actual technical term) black holes, made enemies of a few galactic neighbors, and mourned the deaths of countless stars. Our home galaxy has even fallen in love.After all this time, the Milky Way finally feels that it's amassed enough experience for the juicy tell-all we've all been waiting for. Its fascinating autobiography recounts the history and future of the universe in accessible but scientific detail, presenting a summary of human astronomical knowledge thus far that is unquestionably out of this world.NAMED A BEST BOOK OF 2022 BY PUBLISHERS WEEKLY AND SCIENCENETNAMED A BEST AUDIOBOOK OF 2022 BY BOOKPAGE

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Book SynopsisUpdated portfolio of over 300 breathtaking photographs from the Hubble telescope which show the very latest discoveries about our universe.

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Book SynopsisAn engaging critique of the science and metaphysics behind our understanding of the universe The James Webb Space Telescope, when launched in 2021, will be the premier orbital observatory, capable of studying every phase of the history of the universe, from the afterglow of the Big Bang to the formation of our solar system. Examining the theoretical basis for key experiments that have made this latest venture in astrophysics possible, Bjørn Ekeberg reveals that scientific cosmology actually operates in a twilight zone between the physical and metaphysical. Metaphysical Experiments explains how our current framework for understanding the universe, the Big Bang theory, is more determined by a deep faith in mathematical universality than empirical observation. Ekeberg draws on philosophical insights by Spinoza, Bergson, Heidegger, and Arendt; on the critical perspectives of Latour, Stengers, and Serres; and on cutting-edge physics research at the Large Hadron Collider, to show how the universe of modern physics was invented to reconcile a Christian metaphysical premise with a claim to the theoretical unification of nature.By focusing on the nonmathematical assumptions underlying some of the most significant events in modern science, Metaphysical Experiments offers a critical history of contemporary physics that demystifies such concepts as the universe, particles, singularity, gravity, blackbody radiation, the speed of light, wave/particle duality, natural constants, black holes, dark matter, and dark energy. Ekeberg’s incisive reading of the metaphysical underpinnings of scientific cosmology offers an innovative account of how we understand our place in the universe.Trade Review"In this provocative and sharply written account, Bjørn Ekeberg makes a radical case for the social construction of physics and its truths, urging that the mathematical unification of physical phenomena is not only physics’ goal but also a deeply metaphysical requirement for its progress—progress put into doubt, not to say crisis, by the emergence of mathematical theories (such as multiverse or string theory) that seem ‘untestable in any empirical sense and probably remain beyond the horizon of experimental physics.’"—Brian Rotman, author of Becoming Beside Ourselves: The Alphabet, Ghosts, and Distributed Human Being "What if the basis of contemporary cosmology were false? This stirring question launches Bjørn Ekeberg on a lucid exploration of modern scientific history, leading to the recent marriage of cosmology with experimental particle physics. Well-informed in contemporary philosophy, Ekeberg provides a unique synthesis that will be of interest to philosophers of science and contemplative scientists alike."—Graham Harman, Southern California Institute of Architecture "This erudite, idiosyncratic book more than earns a place on the library shelf." —CHOICETable of ContentsContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: A Cosmic World-Object1. The Metaphysics Experiment: From Particle Collider to the Cosmos2. God, That Is, Nature: The Invention of the Universe3. Probability and Proliferation: The Invention of the Particle4. Big Bang Metaphysics: The Universe of Modern CosmologyConclusion: A Question of RelevanceNotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisAstrophysics is often –with some justification – regarded as incomprehensible without the use of higher mathematics. Consequently, many amateur astronomers miss out on some of the most fascinating aspects of the subject. Astrophysics Is Easy! cuts through the difficult mathematics and explains the basics of astrophysics in accessible terms. Using nothing more than plain arithmetic and simple examples, the workings of the universe are outlined in a straightforward yet detailed and easy-to-grasp manner. Following on the success of the first and second editions, this fully updated third edition covers the significant changes in astrophysics theories and research that have occurred in the last five years, including new material on: exomoons, exocomets and exoasteroids; Special and General Relativity; gravitational waves, their origins and detection; telescope optics; black hole astrophysics; and more. For each topic under discussion, an observing list is included so that observers can actually see for themselves the concepts presented – stars of the spectral sequence, nebulae, galaxies, even black holes. The book also features in-text, nonmathematical questions and end-of-chapter problems – all with their accompanying solutions – to help readers discuss and digest the material.Table of ContentsCh 1. Tools of the trade1. New Section - Telescope Basics a. Basic formulae to explain magnification, resolution, field-of-view, light-grasp, etc.. b. Use of internet for star-maps, planetariums, etc.. 2. Distancesa. The Nearest Stars To Us3. Brightness and Luminosity4. Magnitudesa. The Brightest Stars5. Coloura. Coloured Stars6. Size and Massa. The Biggest Stars7. Star Constituents8. Spectra and Spectroscopy9. Stellar Classificationa. The Spectral Sequence10. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram11. The H-R diagram and Stellar Radius12. The H-R diagram and Stellar Luminosity13. The H-R diagram and Stellar MassCh 2. The Solar System 1 The Scientific Method 2 Early Historyi. The Ancient Greeksii. Copernicusiii. Tychoiv. Keplerv. Galileovi. Newton3 The Motions of the Planetsb. Kepler’s Three Lawsc. Newton & Gravityd. Newton’s Laws of Motione. Newton’s Law Of Gravitational Attractionf. The Tides2. New Section - The Greenhouse Effect3. Observing the PlanetsCh 3. The Interstellar Medium1. Introduction2. Nebulæ3. Emission Nebulæa. Brightest Emission Nebulæ4. Dark Nebulæa. Famous Dark Nebulæ5. Reflection Nebulæa. Brightest Reflection Nebulae6. Molecular Clouds7. Protostars8. The Jeans CriterionCh 4. Star Birth1. The Birth of a Star2. Pre-Main Sequence Evolution and the Effect of Mass3. Mass Loss and Mass Gain a. T Tauri Starsb. Discs and Winds4. Clusters and Groups of Starsa. Galactic Star Clustersi. Bright Star Clusters5. Stellar Associations and Streamsa. Bright Stellar Associations and Streams6. Star Formation TriggersCh 5. The Sun and Stars1. The Sun – The Nearest Stara. From the Core to the Surfaceb. The Proton-Proton Chainc. Energy Transport from the Core to the Surfaced. New Section – Sunspotse. New Section – The Solar Cycle2. Binary Stars and Stellar Mass3. Binary Starsa. Visual Binary Stars4. The Masses of Orbiting Stars5. Lifetimes of Main-Sequence Stars6. Red Giant Starsa. Bright Red Giant Stars7. Helium Burning and the Helium Flasha. Helium Burningb. The Helium Flash8. Star Clusters, Red Giants and the H-R Diagram9. Post Main-Sequence Star clusters: The Globular Clusters.a. Bright Globular Clustersb. New Section – Are Globulars galaxy corpses?10. Pulsating Starsa. Why do Stars Pulsate?b. Cepheid Variables and the Period-Luminosity Relationc. Cepheid’s: Temperature and Massd. RR Lyrae and Long-Period Variable Starse. Bright Cepheid Variablesf. Bright RR Lyrae VariablesCh 6. The Death of Stars1. The Asymptotic Giant Branch2. Dredge-Ups3. Mass Loss and Stellar Winds4. Infrared Stars5. The End Of An AGB Star’s Lifea. Bright Carbon Stars6. Planetary Nebulaea. Bright Planetary Nebulae7. White Dwarf Starsa. Electron Degeneracyb. The Chandrasekhar Limitc. New Section – Is the Chandrasekhar Limit correct?d. White Dwarf Evolutione. White Dwarf Originsf. Bright White Dwarfs8. High Mass Stars and Nuclear Burninga. Bright Supergiant Stars9. Iron, Supernovæ and the Formation of the Elementsa. Supernovæ Remnantsb. Supernovæ Typesc. New Section - Hypernovae10. The End Result of High Mass Star Evolution: Neutron Stars, Pulsars, and Black Holesa. Neutron Starsb. PulsarsNEW Chapter - Special Relativity a. The Speed of Lightb. The Lorentz Equations.c. Paradox’s. NEW Chapter - General Relativitya. Warped Space and Timeb. Why is Gravity so weak?c. General relativity in the solar system.d. Gravitational Wavese. 2018 – First contactNEW Chapter – Black Holes a. The Singularityb. Time Travelc. Kerr Black Holesd. Rotating and non-symmetrical Black Holese. Imaging the Event HorizonCh 7. Exoplanets 2. A new sciencea. Methods of Detectionb. Bright Exoplanetsc. New Section – Exo-moons, exo-comets, exo-asteroidsCh 8. Galaxies1. Introduction2. Galaxy Types3. Galaxy Structure4. Stellar Populations5. Hubble Classification of Galaxies6. New section - Other types of galaxy classification7. Observing Galaxiesa. Spiral Galaxiesb. Barred Spiral Galaxiesc. Elliptical Galaxiesd. Lenticular Galaxiese. Irregular GalaxiesCh 9. Active Galaxies1. The Active Galactic Zoo2. The structure and evolution of AGN’sa. Brightest Active GalaxiesCh 10. Cosmology 1 Gravitational Lensing2 Redshift, Distance and the Hubble Law3 Quasar Redshift Problem4 Clusters of Galaxiesa. Groups and Clusters of Galaxies5 The Beginning of the Universe6 The End of the Universe7 Other Cosmologies8 Amateur Observational Cosmology?New Chapter – the Speculative Universea. Beyond the Multiverseb. Infinite Universec. Inflation, then the Big Bang.d. Filamentary nature of Dark Matter.e. MOND – The elephant in the roomf. Endnote

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Book SynopsisFrom Stonehenge to atomic clocks, this is how we’ve used science to work out the time across the centuriesTrade Review‘Each day in 2019, Chad Orzel informs us, is nearly two milliseconds longer than days were in 1870. And they feel even longer. This entertaining and engrossing book takes us through our long struggle to measure time with precision. Filled with amazing devices, it’s ultimately a story of the triumph of human ingenuity.’ -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden‘I came away from this brisk, chatty book feeling that the history of chronometry is a triumph of progress. With infectious enthusiasm [Orzel] catalogues the feats of skill and effort that have gone into marking time… Orzel dives deep into the nitty-gritty of physics, astronomy and engineering, but writes lucidly and leavens his material with jokes and anecdotes… ultimately, one comes away with a sense of awe at what human ingenuity can achieve… stimulating.’ -- Daily Telegraph‘A lively introduction to timekeeping, from the Newgrange passage-tomb to caesium-133 and its possible replacements… As a professor of physics and the author of several popular science books, Orzel is an experienced teacher of science to non-scientists… His account of relativity should be comprehensible even to the single-cultured humanist. Orzel’s research is impressive and he is able to debunk various myths… so much is on offer in Chad Orzel’s book.’ -- TLS‘In A Brief History of Timekeeping, Chad Orzel… turns his enthusiasm for time travel to something more tangible: how humans through the ages have measured the passage of time… Throughout the book, Orzel scoots backwards and forwards in time, treating us to illustrations of spectacular forgotten timepieces… The author’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane as he moves into the digital era, explaining how quartz-based wristwatches “democratised” time and serve as temporal “tuning forks” for the masses… As Orzel’s book makes clear, time, and its measurement, stands still for no one.’ -- George Bass, New Scientist'Full of history, physics and physicists... [a] varied book.’ * Nature *‘A deliciously detailed journey through the astonishing ticks and tocks of timekeeping, from neolithic henges and Mayan number systems to cinnamon-filled sandglasses, tuning fork wristwatches, and even the northern lights. Equal parts mesmerizing and fascinating, Orzel’s beautifully clear explanations of physics illuminate subjects from planets to quantum engineering. By the end it is clear that time may never be on our side, but keeping track of it has opened up the universe for us.’ -- Caleb Scharf, author of The Copernicus Complex‘As Chad Orzel shows in his informative new book, while the pace of modern life seems to march briskly in step with the rhythms of various clocks, keeping accurate time has been a mainstay of history – a driving force for astronomical measurements, and eventually classical and relativistic physics. A Brief History of Timekeeping offers the quintessential account of all the factors that make up ways we record time – from the relatively slow progression of daily and lunar cycles to the near-instantaneous speed of atomic transitions. Orzel’s fascinating chronicle of how we measure the seconds, days, and years that set the stride of our life’s journey is well worth making the time to read – and that literary adventure will fly by, no doubt.’ -- Paul Halpern, author of Flashes of Creation'An excellent book… [Orzel] has turned his gifts of clarity, logical exposition and gentle humour to explaining how different time systems have operated over the millennia… “Brief Histories of…” have multiplied ever since Stephen Hawking published his A Brief History of Time, but Orzel’s version is far more intelligible and entertaining that its bestselling predecessor… A Brief History of Timekeeping would be an ideal gift to satisfy anyone demanding to understand why clocks are such a perpetual source of fascination – and for those who are already convinced, it provides a succinct summary of the multiple ways in which time can be told.’ * Dr Patricia Fara, Antiquarian Horology *‘Today’s best atomic clocks can track time with a precision of one part in a billion – but getting to this point, as Chad Orzel’s entertaining new book shows, has been an incredible adventure. It’s a history of technology, of course, but we also learn about the underlying science, from the ancient astronomers who first made sense of the motions of the sun, moon, and stars to those who unveiled relativity and quantum mechanics in the last century. If you like science, history, and fun in equal measure, A Brief History of Timekeeping is for you.’ -- Dan Falk, science journalist, author and broadcaster‘A fascinating intersection of science, history, and theology. I never expected to lose track of time reading a book about time.’ -- James Breakwell, comedy writer, creator of @XplodingUnicorn on Twitter, and author of How to Be a Man (Whatever That Means)‘Orzel gives us the grand tour of something we all take for granted. It’s about time.’ -- Chris Ferrie, author of Where Did the Universe Come From?‘Fascinating… a page-turning popular science book which is full of quirky, unexpected turns.’ -- Fortean Times

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Book SynopsisEric Chaisson received his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Harvard, where he spent 10 years on the faculty; after holding various professorships at Johns Hopkins and Tufts, Eric is back at Harvard teaching and doing research at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. He has written 12 books and received a number of literary awards along the way. Steve McMillan received his Ph.D. in astronomy from Harvard and is a professor of physics at Drexel University. He has published more than 100 articles and scientific papers.Table of Contents I. ASTRONOMY AND THE UNIVERSE 1. Charting the Heavens: The Foundations of Astronomy 2. The Copernican Revolution: The Birth of Modern Science 3. Radiation: Information from the Cosmos 4. Spectroscopy: The Inner Workings of Atoms 5. Telescopes: The Tools of Astronomy II. OUR PLANETARY SYSTEM 6. The Solar System: Comparative Planetology and Formation Models 7. Earth: Our Home in Space 8. The Moon and Mercury: Scorched and Battered Worlds 9. Venus: Earth’s Sister Planet 10. Mars: A Near Miss for Life? 11. Jupiter: Giant of the Solar System 12. Saturn: Spectacular Rings and Mysterious Moons 13. Uranus and Neptune: The Outer Worlds of the Solar System 14. Solar System Debris: Keys to Our Origin 15. Exoplanets: Planetary Systems Beyond Our Own. III. STARS AND STELLAR EVOLUTION 16. The Sun: Our Parent Star 17. The Stars: Giants, Dwarfs, and the Main Sequence 18. The Interstellar Medium: Gas and Dust among the Stars 19. Star Formation: A Traumatic Birth 20. Stellar Evolution: The Life and Death of a Star 21. Stellar Explosions: Novae, Supernovae, and the Formation of the Elements 22. Neutron Stars and Black Holes: Strange States of Matter IV. GALAXIES AND COSMOLOGY 23. The Milky Way Galaxy: A Spiral in Space 24. Galaxies: Building Blocks of the Universe 25. Galaxies and Dark Matter: The Large-Scale Structure of the Cosmos 26. Cosmology: The Big Bang and the Fate of the Universe 27. The Early Universe: Toward the Beginning of Time 28. Life in the Universe: Are We Alone?

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Book SynopsisThis work presents the full history of the Exploded Planet hypothesis. There is ample evidence across our solar system of cataclysmic and catastrophic destruction events, and many planets are scarred from incredible impacts, and teeter in their orbits from unexplained causes. Rejecting naturalist and materialist assumptions of catastrophism forwarded by other researchers, Farrell seriously asserts that the causes are based in ancient myths of a Cosmic War in the heavens. Incorporating extraterrestrial artefacts, cutting-edge ideas in contemporary physics, and the texts of ancient myths into his argument, Farrell maintains that an ancient interplanetary war was fought in our own solar system with weapons of extraordinary power and sophistication. The book includes: secret technology behind the ancient Tablets of Destinies, the ancient texts telling of such destructions: from Sumeria (Tiamats destruction by Marduk), Egypt (Edfu and the Mars connections), Greece (Saturns role in the War of the Titans) and the ancient Americas; ancient and current mechanisms which could explode planets; and, the true scientific reason for our solar system''s asteroid belt.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisUsing the power of the sun, moon, stars, and planets, this unique, illustrated guide is filled with engaging exercises that deepen your knowledge of the solar system, help you take necessary pauses every day, and foster a renewed sense of presence in the universe.Thousands of years ago, when we humans lived together in communal caves, we told stories about the stars. When we later took to the seas, we used stellar positions to navigate and pinpoint our place in the world. When we eventually stopped migrating and settled on land, we relied on the constellations and the Sun to plant and sustain crops. Yet today, we modern humans have lost this deep connection to the cosmos that was once central to our daily lives.Astronomical Mindfulness helps us reconnect to the solar system once more, guiding us through the fundamental ways in which our planet moves through the solar system and how these motions determine our perception of time and place. Offering a concise yet in-depth look at the Sun, the Moon, the planets, and the stars, it teaches us to observe and understand the elements comprising the celestial sphere—deepening our lives and helping us become more informed, engaged, and mindful every day.The best part: you don’t need to climb a mountain, visit an observatory, or even own a telescope. From an apartment rooftop to a city park, from your backyard to the window by your desk, the skies are accessible to everyone. Astronomical Mindfulness is a unique tool for personal growth essential to coping in our modern world, enabling us to be more present, more connected, and more relaxed simply by looking up toward the stars.

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. Earth as a Planetary System 2. The Crust 3. Tectonic Environments of Crust Formation 4. Orogens and Orogenic Crust 5. The Mantle 6. The Core 7. Crustal and Mantle Evolution 8. The Supercontinent Cycle 9. Atmosphere/Hydrosphere 10. The Biosphere 11. Comparative planetary evolution

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Book SynopsisThis Very Short Introduction looks deep into space and describes the worlds that make up our Solar System: terrestrial planets, giant planets, dwarf planets and various other objects such as satellites (moons), asteroids and Trans-Neptunian objects. It considers how our knowledge has advanced over the centuries, and how it has expanded at a growing rate in recent years. David A. Rothery gives an overview of the origin, nature, and evolution of our Solar System, including the controversial issues of what qualifies as a planet, and what conditions are required for a planetary body to be habitable by life. He looks at rocky planets and the Moon, giant planets and their satellites, and how the surfaces have been sculpted by geology, weather, and impacts.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authTrade ReviewThe writing style is exceptionally clear and pricise * Astronomy Now *Table of ContentsIntroduction ; 1. Rocky planets ; 2. Giant planets ; 3. Satellites and rings ; 4. Asteroids ; 5. The Kuiper Belt ; 6. Exoplanets

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Dusty and Dirty Plasmas Noise and Chaos in Space | BookCurl

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Book SynopsisOffers recommendations for the programs in astronomy and astrophysics, including initiatives for observing the universe. With the goal of optimum value, in this book, a distinguished panel addresses the role of federal research agencies, allocation of funding, training for scientists, and competition and collaboration among space facilities.

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Book SynopsisThe Space Studies Board requested the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life, to examine ways to augment and integrate astronomy and astrophysics into the Astrobiology program. This report presents the results of that study and provides a review of the earlier report and an examination of the elements of the astrobiology program.Table of Contents1 Front Matter; 2 Executive Summary; 3 1 Introduction; 4 2 Related Efforts; 5 3 NASA Efforts in Astrophysics for Astrobiology; 6 4 Areas That Could Benefit from Augmentation and Integration; 7 5 Integrating Astronomy with the Other Disciplines of Astrobiology; 8 Appendix A: Context and Statement of Task; 9 Appendix B: Related Reports and Programmatic Activities; 10 Appendix C: Glossary; 11 Appendix D: Committee Member and Staff Biographies

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Book SynopsisAstrophysicist and NPR commentator Adam Frank reveals what the latest research on alien civilisations may tell us about our own.Trade Review"In this provocative new book, Adam Frank makes the case that one good way to think about life on Earth is to think about the prospect of life on other planets—and what it might have to teach us about how to be good Earthlings." -- Sean Carroll"With an easy-to follow writing style, Frank has thoughtfully tackled the concept of life beyond Earth, without resorting to fantasies of' little green men'. Light of the Stars is a concise and insightful read, which, aside from being very difficult to put down, will leave you wanting to learn more about the potential for life amongst the stars. So sit down and get comfortable, as you may be glued to this book for some time." -- BBC Sky at Night"We may have no proof that aliens exist, but US astrophysicist Adam Frank is pretty convinced." -- Best Holiday Reading - New Scientist"The author makes the case that as the exploration of Venus and Mars helped humanity properly formulate the theory of the greenhouse effect, so can exoplanets and the search for exo-civilizations inform how we deal with the growing pains of a maturing civilization at odds with its own host planet." -- On Our Bookshelf - Nature"Pleasingly, the findings here are more hopeful and proactive than has been the case elsewhere, encouraging us to take charge and create a better future. As far as messages go, it's not a bad one." -- How It Works

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Book SynopsisA clear and accessible account of a set of popular instruments and texts (parapegmata) used in antiquity for astronomical weather prediction and the regulation of day-to-day life. For the first time the sources are presented in full, with an accompanying translation and a new and comprehensive analysis.Trade Review'This is the first monograph on parapegmata in some time and the most comprehensive to date. … Lehoux has provided [an] exhaustive study … with an engaging discussion of the historical and intellectual implications of these sources. This work will be essential for anyone working on ancient astronomy, calendrics or related areas.' Journal of the History of Astronomy'… engagingly written, with occasional comparisons to varieties of popular weather forecasting in twentieth-century rural Canada … This book will deservedly become the fundamental source for its subject.' MetascienceTable of ContentsPart I. Parapegmata and Astrometeorology: 1. The rain in Attica falls mainly under Sagitta; 2. Spelt and Spica; 3. De signis; 4. When is thirty days not a month?; 5. Calendars, weather, and stars in Babylon; 6. Egyptian astrometeorology; 7. Conclusion; Part II. Sources: Catalogue of extant parapegmata; Extant parapegmata; Appendix 1. Authorities cited in parapegmata; Appendix 2. Tables of correspondence of parapegmata.

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Book SynopsisThe detection of gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime—has already been called the scientific coup of this century. Govert Schilling recounts the struggles that threatened to derail the quest and describes the detector’s astounding precision, weaving far-reaching discoveries about the universe into a gripping story of ambition and perseverance.Trade ReviewIn a sweeping new book, Ripples in Spacetime: Einstein, Gravitational Waves, and the Future of Astronomy, prolific science writer Govert Schilling has achieved the fascinating trifecta of historical and scientific accuracy, a grand sense of wonder and curiosity, and brilliantly accessible storytelling…Ripples in Spacetime goes far beyond the gravitational wave story you've heard over the past few years…It belongs on the shelf of anyone interested in learning the scientific, historical, and personal stories behind some of the most incredible scientific advances of the 21st century. As our scientific progress continues, this book will serve as a reminder of how far we’ve already come, how we got there, and what we’re looking forward to with our most hopeful ambitions. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *A succinct, accessible, and remarkably timely survey of gravitational-wave astronomy as it developed over the past century…This book is a rare find…The book’s remarkable breadth and accessibility should make it the first piece of reading material for anyone—from high school students to policymakers—with an interest in gravitational waves…Ripples in Spacetime sets itself apart by putting the entire field into perspective—past, present, and future. It conveys a sense of awe about a century of scientific investment and achievement and a sense of excitement for what’s to come. -- Richard O’Shaughnessy * Physics Today *Schilling gives us a lively and readable account of the [gravitational] waves’ discovery... Schilling underlines that this discovery is the opening of a new window on the universe, the beginning of a new branch of science. Astronomers will no longer be limited to observing space through the waves of electricity and magnetism (for example, visible light) entering telescopes, but will be able to observe it through waves of gravity. Galileo would have been amazed. -- Graham Farmelo * The Guardian *A detailed account of the quest to detect gravitational waves. -- James Ryerson * New York Times Book Review *Ripples in Spacetime provides a comprehensive and approachable guide to a complex subject. -- Monica Young * Sky & Telescope *[Ripples in Spacetime] explains complex ideas clearly and entertainingly…It details the personalities, rivalries, collaborations, controversies, setbacks and successes of the century-long quest to test Einstein’s theories. Bang up to date, the book describes science in progress and as a process: how ideas are developed and discoveries made and rejected or confirmed. The best part for me was the detail the book goes into about the first detection and the meticulous protocols in place to scrutinize and eliminate every possible error. Schilling also looks ahead to what we can expect in this whole new field of astronomy. This is a book for everyone who was as excited as I was when the [Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory] discovery first broke, but also for anyone who wants to know what all the fuss was about. -- Jenny Winder * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *In September 2015, a new frontier in astronomy beckoned with the first direct detection of gravitational waves, confirming Albert Einstein's prediction almost a century before. Govert Schilling's deliciously nerdy grand tour takes us through compelling backstory, current research, and future expectations. -- Barbara Kiser * Nature *[Ripples in Spacetime] offers the reader a journey that goes beyond its title, exploring and connecting topics such as the cosmic-microwave background and its polarization, radioastronomy and pulsars, supernovae, primordial inflation, gamma-ray bursts and even dark energy… The book gives an interesting (and sometimes surprising) glimpse into the lives, aspirations and mutual interactions of the scientific pioneers in the field of gravitational waves. -- Guillermo Ballestero * CERN Courier *A fascinating story of astronomy…Schilling walks readers through a lucid history of the universe, of general relativity, and of the bumpy search for Einstein’s last major unconfirmed prediction: the existence of gravitational waves…Schilling delivers a lively, expert, mostly comprehensible account, equal parts politics, personality, and science, of the search that ended two years ago…Schilling emphasizes that this is not simply another feather in Einstein’s cap, but a valuable new tool. The early universe was opaque to radiation until 380,000 years after the Big Bang, but gravity waves poured out from almost the beginning, so a new field of ‘gravitational wave astronomy’ can look back almost to the birth of the cosmos. An exciting history of the second great breakthrough of 21st-century physics. * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *In this elegant and captivating book Govert Schilling takes us by the hand through a century of scientific adventures to one of the biggest discoveries of history. -- Robbert Dijkgraaf, Director and Leon Levy Professor, Institute for Advanced StudyI read with great pleasure this friendly book. The placement of the detection of gravitational waves in the greater history of astronomy and physics is nicely done, and readers not yet familiar with many of the concepts will come away from the book having really learned some of the physics as well as having a sense of what real science and real scientists are like. The scope and organization makes it entertaining and leaves room for surprises. -- David Shoemaker, Spokesperson, LIGO Scientific Collaboration and Senior Research Scientist, MIT Kavli InstituteEngaging. -- Manjit Kumar * New Statesman *Govert’s blend of storytelling, interviews, science, and history creates a fantastic read, and for anyone curious about the development of LIGO and what the future holds, you couldn’t ask for a better story. -- Ethan Siegel * Forbes *

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Book SynopsisASTRONOMY AND SPIRITUAL SCIENCE collects writings on astronomy by Dr. Elizabeth Vreede and is a fascinating compendium of scientific and spiritual knowledge. Between September 1927 and August 1930, Dr. Vreede wrote a monthly letter, available by subscription, about both modern astronomy and classical astrology in the light of spiritual science. These letters include clear explanations of the fundamentals of astronomy and discussions of the role of astrology in the modern world. They also include inspiring presentations of a worldview that sees the stars, planets, and in fact all physical phenomena as manifestations of spiritual beings and spiritual activities. Among the many topics Dr. Vreede considers are the role of nutation, precession, and other movements of the Earth in human evolution and life; the comets; the relations of the heavenly bodies to spiritual beings; horoscopes; solar and lunar eclipses; and the deeper meaning of the Christian holidays such as Easter and Whitsun.

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Book SynopsisRotational motion is of fundamental importance in physics and engineering, and an essential topic for undergraduates to master. This Student's Guide focuses on the basic principles of rotational dynamics, providing the reader with an intuitive understanding of the physical concepts and a firm grasp of the mathematics.Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Rotational kinematics; 2. Torque and static equilibrium; 3. Rotational dynamics; 4. Moment of inertia; 5. Angular momentum; 6. Work and energy; 7. Combining translation and rotation: a first look; 8. Garden of delights; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisObservations from the first spacecraft to orbit the planet Mercury have transformed our understanding of the origin and evolution of rocky planets. This volume is the definitive resource about Mercury for planetary scientists, from students to senior researchers. Topics treated in depth include Mercury''s chemical composition; the structure of its crust, lithosphere, mantle, and core; Mercury''s modern and ancient magnetic field; Mercury''s geology, including the planet''s major geological units and their surface chemistry and mineralogy, its spectral reflectance characteristics, its craters and cratering history, its tectonic features and deformational history, its volcanic features and magmatic history, its distinctive hollows, and the frozen ices in its polar deposits; Mercury''s exosphere and magnetosphere and the processes that govern their dynamics and their interaction with the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field; the formation and large-scale evolution of the planet; aTrade Review'An excellent Index and a list of Mercurian place names complete this volume. The editor and Cambridge University Press are to be congratulated upon bringing this huge publication to successful completion.' Richard McKim, The ObservatoryTable of Contents1. The MESSENGER mission: science and implementation overview Sean C. Solomon and Brian J. Anderson; 2. The chemical composition of Mercury Larry R. Nittler, Nancy L. Chabot, Timothy L. Grove and Patrick N. Peplowski; 3. Mercury's crust and lithosphere: structure and mechanics Roger J. Phillips, Paul K. Byrne, Peter B. James, Erwan Mazarico, Gregory A. Neumann and Mark E. Perry; 4. Mercury's internal structure Jean-Luc Margot, Steven A. Hauck, II, Erwan Mazarico, Sebastiano Padovan and Stanton J. Peale; 5. Mercury's internal magnetic field Catherine L. Johnson, Brian J. Anderson, Haje Korth, Roger J. Phillips and Lydia C. Philpott; 6. The geologic history of Mercury Brett W. Denevi, Carolyn M. Ernst, Louise M. Prockter and Mark S. Robinson; 7. The geochemical and mineralogical diversity of Mercury Timothy J. McCoy, Patrick N. Peplowski, Francis M. McCubbin and Shoshana Z. Weider; 8. Spectral reflectance constraints on the composition and evolution of Mercury's surface Scott L. Murchie, Rachel L. Klima, Noam R. Izenberg, Deborah L. Domingue, David T. Blewett and Jörn Helbert; 9. Impact cratering of Mercury Clark R. Chapman, David M. H. Baker, Olivier S. Barnouin, Caleb I. Fassett, Simone Marchi, William J. Merline, Lillian R. Ostrach, Louise M. Prockter and Robert G. Strom; 10. The tectonic character of Mercury Paul K. Byrne, Christian Klimczak and A. M. Celâl Sengör; 11. The volcanic character of Mercury Paul K. Byrne, Jennifer L. Whitten, Christian Klimczak, Francis M. McCubbin and Lillian R. Ostrach; 12. Mercury's hollows David T. Blewett, Carolyn M. Ernst, Scott L. Murchie and Faith Vilas; 13. Mercury's polar deposits Nancy L. Chabot, David J. Lawrence, Gregory A. Neumann, William C. Feldman and David A. Paige; 14. Observations of Mercury's exosphere: composition and structure William E. McClintock, Timothy A. Cassidy, Aimee W. Merkel, Rosemary M. Killen, Matthew H. Burger and Ronald J. Vervack, Jr; 15. Understanding Mercury's exosphere: models derived from MESSENGER observations Rosemary M. Killen, Matthew H. Burger, Ronald J. Vervack, Jr, and Timothy A. Cassidy; 16. Structure and configuration of Mercury's magnetosphere Haje Korth, Brian J. Anderson, Catherine L. Johnson, James A. Slavin, Jim M. Raines and Thomas H. Zurbuchen; 17. Mercury's dynamic magnetosphere James A. Slavin, Daniel N. Baker, Daniel J. Gershman, George C. Ho, Suzanne M. Imber, Stamatios M. Krimigis and Torbjörn Sundberg; 18. The elusive origin of Mercury Denton S. Ebel and Sarah T. Stewart; 19. Mercury's global evolution Steven A. Hauck, II, Matthias Grott, Paul K. Byrne, Brett W. Denevi, Sabine Stanley and Timothy J. McCoy; 20. Future missions: Mercury after MESSENGER Ralph L. McNutt, Jr, Johannes Benkhoff, Masaki Fujimoto and Brian J. Anderson.

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Book SynopsisThe Physics GRE plays a significant role in deciding admissions to nearly all US physics Ph.D. programs, yet few exam-prep books focus on the test''s actual content and unique structure. Recognized as one of the best student resources available, this tailored guide has been thoroughly updated for the current Physics GRE. It contains carefully selected review material matched to all of the topics covered, as well as tips and tricks to help solve problems under time pressure. It features three full-length practice exams, revised to accurately reflect the difficulty of the current test, with fully worked solutions so that students can simulate taking the test, review their preparedness, and identify areas in which further study is needed. Written by working physicists who took the Physics GRE for their own graduate admissions to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this self-contained reference guide will help students achieve their best score.Trade Review'I have used Conquering the Physics GRE as a resource for our annual 'Southern California Physics GRE Bootcamp' program for the past few years. Of the various resources I have tried, [this book] has consistently been the most popular and the most effective in helping physics majors prepare for the Physics GRE. It provides the right combination of concept material, exam problem-solving strategies, and practice questions tuned to this particular exam. I would also recommend this book not just for the GRE, but as a general study guide for undergraduate physics courses.' Adam Burgasser, University of California, San Diego'This gem has become a staple of our course preparing undergraduates for the Physics GRE. The practice exams are even more well matched to the real thing than are the old ETS exams, due to the evolution of the exam. The study sections are unique in their focus on efficiency in problem solving, an important skill not only for the Physics GRE, but for any practicing physicist. My favorite is the chapter on 'Tips and Tricks' - the smallest, but most powerful chapter in the book.' James McLean, State University of New York, GeneseoTable of ContentsPreface; How to use this book; Resources; 1. Classical mechanics; 2. Electricity and magnetism; 3. Optics and waves; 4. Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics; 5. Quantum mechanics and atomic physics; 6. Special relativity; 7. Laboratory methods; 8. Specialized topics; 9. Special tips and tricks for the Physics GRE; Sample exams and solutions; References; Equation index; Subject index; Problems index.

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Book SynopsisEverything you ever wanted to know about the Red PlanetMars is ingrained in our culture, from David Bowie's extra-terrestrial spiders to H.G. Wells''s The War of the Worlds. The red planet has inspired hundreds of scientists, authors and filmmakers but why? What is it about this particular planet that makes it so intriguing?Ancient mythologies defined Mars as a violent harbinger of war, and astrologers found meaning in the planet''s dance through the sky. Stargazers puzzled over Mars''s unfamiliar properties; some claimed to see canals criss-crossing its surface, while images from early spacecraft showed startling faces and pyramids carved out of rusty rock. Did Martians exist? If so, were they intelligent, civilised beings?We now have a better understanding of Mars: its red hue, small moons, atmosphere (or lack of it), and mysterious past. Robots have trundled across the planet''s surface, beaming back astonishing views of the alien landscape Trade ReviewAn easy and thoroughly enjoyable read with a friendly chatty style, and it manages to pack in an awful lot of information. * Sky at Night *4th Rock from the Sun is more motivational manifesto than instruction manual ... it serves to inspire the reader to root for this next potential milestone in human history. * Science *Nicky Jenner’s enthusiasm and humour are infectious, keeping the reader captivated even while she discusses serious subject. Even the least passionate of readers will fall in love with Mars by the end of the book. * Popular Astronomy *A fascinating debut … Jenner nimbly explores humanity's fascination with Mars. * Shelf Life *A detailed yet bright and breezy guide to our most evocative planetary neighbour. Jenner's book provides a whirlwind tour of the Red Planet's past, present and possible future. This book is the essential guide to the little planet that looms largest in our collective imagination: Mars. -- Ben Gilliland, science writer and author of How to Build a UniverseInformative, scientifically comprehensive and delightful to read. You'll want to travel to Mars! -- Antonella Nota, ESA Project Scientist and Mission Manager, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space TelescopeA colourful tapestry of old myths and prejudices, enthusiasm and disappointment, failures and successes, and stories of clever people and machines. Unfold it and you'll see Mars much slower than before. -- Dmitrij Titov, Project Scientist, ESA's Mars Express missionI thought I knew everything there was to know about the Red Planet – I was wrong. A cleverly written and thoroughly interesting tour of all things martian. -- Louisa Preston, UK Space Agency Aurora Research Fellow, and author of Goldilocks and the Water BearsTable of Contents1 Mars Fever 2 Earthlings on Mars 3 Pop culture Mars 4 Mars in Sci-Fi 5 Mars and the History of Science 6 The Martian Story 7 Martian Moons 8 Pranks and Hoaxes 9 Life on Mars? 10 Robot Cars on Mars 11 Why Mars? 12 The Martian future

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