Astrophysics Books

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Book SynopsisThe full inside story of the detection of gravitational waves at LIGO, one of the most ambitious feats in scientific history*Selected as a Book of the Year 2016 in the Sunday Times*''This is empirical poetry. A fascinating tale of human curiosity beautifully told, and with black holes and lasers too'' Robin InceIn 1916 Albert Einstein predicted the existence of gravitational waves: miniscule ripples in the very fabric of spacetime generated by unfathomably powerful events. If such vibrations could somehow be recorded, we could observe our universe for the first time through sound: the hissing of the Big Bang, the low tones of merging galaxies, the drumbeat of two black holes collapsing into one In 2016 a team of hundreds of scientists at work on a billion-dollar experiment made history when they announced the first ever detection of a gravitational wave, confirming Einstein's prediction a century ago. Based on complete access toTrade ReviewGripping ... very, very well written ... I reached the beautiful ending of this book with a little sob of gratitude ... heartbreaking ... brilliant -- Bryan Appleyard * Sunday Times *It is hard to imagine that a better narrative will ever be written about the behind-the-scenes heartbreak and hardship that goes with scientific discovery. Black Hole Blues is a spectacular feat – a near-perfect balance of science, storytelling and insight … It is as inevitable as gravity that this book will win a swath of awards -- Michael Brooks * New Statesman *Astonishing … superb … Ms Levin is able to tell the tale so soon, and so well, because she has had privileged access to the experiment. She has also known the experimenters for several years … Ms Levin is herself a scientist, which explains her access, but more than that she is a writer … readers feel as if they are sitting in on her interviews or watching over her shoulder as she describes two black holes colliding … A splendid book that I recommend to anyone with an interest in how science works and in the power of human imagination and ability -- John Gribbin * Wall Street Journal *A superb storyteller. This is the most vivid account I can remember of science policy in action … I’ll be surprised if anyone brings out a more readable book on gravitational waves in the near future -- Clive Cookson * Financial Times *The definitive account of how we completed the hundred-year hunt for gravitational waves … Punchy, witty, timely and deeply insightful; I haven’t read a better book on the realities of doing science -- Michael Brooks * New Statesman, Books of the Year *A remarkable achievement that potentially opens up a whole new chapter in our understanding of the cosmos and, with perfect timing, Janna Levin’s elegant and lucid book is here to tell us how it was done … the human drama is compelling … The main protagonists … comprise as fascinating a triumvirate as you will find anywhere in scientific literature. Levin, a distinguished astrophysicist in her own right, writes eloquently, sometimes even poetically, about the search for what she calls gravity’s music -- Simon Griffith * Mail on Sunday *Taking on the simultaneous roles of expert scientist, journalist, historian and storyteller of uncommon enchantment, Levin delivers pure signal from cover to cover … Levin harmonizes science and life with remarkable virtuosity … exposing the invisible, incremental processes that produce the final spark we call genius … As redemptive as the story of the countless trials and unlikely triumph may be, what makes the book most rewarding is Levin’s exquisite prose -- Maria Popova * The New York Times *The most important development in astronomy since the invention of the telescope ... [Levin] excels in conveying the personalities of the scientists and their professional and personal struggles ... With the success of Ligo, we stand at the dawn of a new era in astronomy, Levin says in her excellent book -- Marcus Chown * Times Higher Education *Brilliant and timely -- James GleickExplains in clear terms the scientific heart of this achievement and the deep and personal fascination that pursuing it has held for several generations of scientists. She also captures the cost of getting to this point, both financial – this is big science in its truest sense – and, in many cases, personal … the plot is too compelling … genuinely painful to read in places … illuminating ... interesting * Nature *A beautifully written account of the quest to open the ‘gravitational-wave window’ onto our universe. As a participant in this wonderful quest, I applaud Janna Levin for capturing so well our vision, our struggles, and the ethos and spirit of our torturous route toward success -- Kip Thorne, co-founder of LIGORiveting. Janna Levin immerses us in the heady world of scientists straining to detect gravitational waves, the faintest whispers in the universe. Keenly observed and lyrically written, her account of this quest will move you -- Steven Strogatz, author of The Joy of xIf Hunter Thompson had taken a break to get a PhD in physics and then become obsessed with gravitational waves, he might have written a book like this -- Alan Lightman, author of The Accidental UniverseLevin is a master of storytelling […] this book […]keeps the reader hooked in awe page after page. Black Hole Blues is a captivating study of the process of scientific discovery. -- Brad Davies * Independent *Levin brilliant captures the immense challenges of today’s big science, from the clash of huge egos to the final triumphant proof of a century-old theory -- PD Smith * Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''Brilliant. You won''t find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together'' Bill BrysonCelebrated physicist and global bestselling author Paul Davies tells the story of the universe in thirty cosmological conundrumsIn the constellation of Eridanus there lurks a cosmic mystery. It''s as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe, leaving a super-void. What could be the culprit? A super massive black hole? Another, bigger universe? Or an expanding vacuum bubble, destined to envelop and annihilate everything in existence?Scientists now understand the history of our universe better than the history of our own planet, but they continue to uncover startling new riddles-the hole in the universe being just one. In this electrifying book, award-winning physicist Paul Davies walks us through the puzzles and paradoxes that have preoccupied cosmologists from ancient Greece to the present day. Laying bare the audacious research that has led us to mind-bending solutions, Davies reveals how we might begin to approach the greatest outstanding enigmas of all.Trade ReviewBrilliant. You won't find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together. -- Bill Bryson * author of The Body: A Guide for Occupants *Paul Davies gives us a thought-provoking, fascinating, and delightful journey through some of the big questions that have perplexed and tantalized scientists throughout history. These are the questions and paradoxes that have stumped and teased history's greatest minds. What happened before the beginning? What is the meaning of the universe? Are there other universes? -- Michio KakuPaul Davies brings his customary lucidity to a survey of some of the most fascinating and puzzling aspects of our universe, simultaneously educating us about its vertiginous wonders and giving us a real sense of science's questions as it confronts and explores them and wrestles with their mystery. It is an absorbing and stimulating read, one of the best of its kind. -- A.C. Grayling * author of The Frontiers of Knowledge *Compelling ... Davies excels in succinctly addressing the cosmological conundrums that haven't received as much attention as dark matter, dark energy, what triggered the big bang and the fate of the universe * Forbes *A whistle-stop tour of the biggest mysteries that cosmologists are investigating today ... a fun way of making sure you're all caught up on where cosmology is at today * Physics World *What's Eating the Universe? is a veritable feast for curious minds. Davies, a polymath and lyrical writer, masterfully tackles all the big questions ranging from why this Universe to the meaning of life and the significance of the present moment-a whirlwind journey through ideas that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos and its constituents. -- Priyamvada Natarajan * author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos *A great introduction for readers new to physics ...Lessons in cosmology and astrophysics abound in this enthusiastic primer * Publishers Weekly *Understanding theoretical physics is a daunting task, but What's Eating the Universe?is here to guide readers through the field. Each chapter is short-less than 10 pages-but jargon-free and full of information ... Regardless of the reader's prior physics knowledge, the book provides an accessible introduction to cosmology * Physics Today *What's Eating the Universe? is Paul Davies at his very best. He brings a lifetime of experience in explaining mysteries of space and time to offer thought-provoking essays on deep questions in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. There is no better overview of the advances made by cosmologists in recent decades. -- John Gribbin * author of Six Impossible Things: The ‘Quanta of Solace’ and the Mysteries of the Subatomic World *A delightful account of the cutting edge of modern cosmology. He is truly exceptional at explaining all of this in his inimitable style--let's say 'astropoetry' -- Simon Mitton, University of CambridgeA whistle-stop tour of the major questions in contemporary cosmology -- Philip Ball, author of Beyond Weird: Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different

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Book SynopsisThe moon landing of 1969 stands as an iconic moment for both the United States and humankind. The familiar story focuses on the journey of the brave astronauts, who brought home Moon rocks and startling photographs. But Apollo''s full account includes the earthbound engineers, mounds of their crumpled paper, and smoldering metal shards of exploded engines. How exactly did the nation, step by difficult step, take men to the Moon and back? In The Apollo Chronicles, fifty years after the moon landing, author Brandon R. Brown, himself the son of an Apollo engineer, revisits the men and women who toiled behind the lights. He relays the defining twentieth-century project from its roots, bringing the engineers'' work and personalities to bright life on the page. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent American decade, the narrative whisks audiences through tense deadlines and technical miracles, from President John F. Kennedy''s 1961 challenge to NASA''s 1969 lunar triumph, as engineers confrTrade ReviewAn excellent history of the space program through the eyes of its engineers and scientists. * James Gleick, The New York Review of Books *Brown takes us leap by leap through the 1960s, tracing the parallel engineering work at Cape Canaveral (the launch site in Florida), the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas (now the Johnson Space Center), and the rocketry group in Huntsville, Alabama. Brown peppers his account with on-the-ground details of how engineers dealt with unexpected problems. * Alexandra Witze, Nature *Brown shows the engineers meeting tough deadlines and performing technical miracles, drawing schematics around the clock, making mistakes, coping with warning lights that blinked at the worst possible time, and regrouping after the tragic death of three astronauts. * Flora Taylor, American Scientist *A great addition to anything you may have read about the space race with so much material I've never seen before * Brian Clegg, Popular Science *While [Brown] appreciates the bravery of the astronauts, his book is "more concerned with the astronauts' protectors" (which is a nice way of looking at it). This book... is written in an entertaining and accessible narrative style. It concludes with a thought-provoking observation on the heritage of the Apollo engineers. * Mark Williamson, Engineering & Technology *In The Apollo Chronicles, we meet the engineers who toiled behind the spotlights from 1958 to 1972. The son of an Apollo engineer, author Brandon R. Brown devotes his writing chops to storytelling and a dramatic tension that will engage even the most technical unsavvy and engineering estranged of readers. * Nelson Noven, Fahrenheit *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter One: 1945 - Origins Chapter Two: 1957 - Paths, Power and Panic Chapter Three: 1960 - Silent Movies and Old-World Evenings Chapter Four: 1961 - A Toddler's Marathon Chapter Five: The Moon Chapter Six: 1962 - Punch Cards and a Key to the Trunk Chapter Seven: 1964 - Of Doubts and Bugs Chapter Eight: 1965 - Saturn Breathes Chapter Nine: 1966 - Of Software and Star Balls Chapter Ten: 1967 - From Madness to Miracle Chapter Eleven: 1968 - Of Timeless Views and New Perspectives Chapter Twelve: 1969 - Alarms and Lightning Chapter Thirteen: 1972 - From Rovers to Regrets Chapter Fourteen: 1981 - Farther Along Chapter Fifteen: Today - Mementos and Returns Chapter Sixteen: How We Did It

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Book SynopsisAimed at advanced undergraduate or graduate physics students, the book aims to give a working understanding of astronomy and gravitational waves, as well as introducing the reader to the key concepts in cosmology and classical field theory.Trade ReviewReview from previous edition As Albert Einstein once emphasized, one should make things as simple as possible, but not simpler. Andrew Steane follows the master's recommendation and presents a relatively easy tour through the wonderful worlds of Special and General Relativity. He guides the reader patiently and pedagogically through the fundamental concepts as well as their main applications. This book is of great value for both students and lecturers. * Claus Kiefer, Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Cologne *Steane's book provides a physically oriented introduction to Special Relativity and its consequences, which does not compromise rigour in its exposition. I do not know of any other textbook on the topic covering such a breadth of topics at a detailed, but at the same time accessible and insightful level. In particular, the discussion of electromagnetism in the context of Special Relativity - where Relativity really comes into life - is excellent. The book contains an interesting and original selection of exercises which will help the dedicated reader to gain mastery in the details of the theory. * Juan A. Valiente Kroon, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London *Offering a uniquely broad and thorough coverage of one of the standard tools of modern physics, Andrew Steane's Relativity Made Relatively Easy is an approachable and comprehensive coverage of Einstein's most famous contribution to science. It is sure to become a favorite resource for students and researchers alike. * Warren Anderson, Center for Gravitation and Cosmology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee *The book truly has the potential to become a pivotal part of scholarship in physics. This lucid and thoughtful approach to taking the reader pedagogically through how Einsteinian relativity works, and how it supersedes the Newtonian construction with respect to explaining the basic principles of physical law, is comprehensive, thorough, innovative, challenging, and in many cases original. Steane's approach fills a gap in what in many university undergraduate courses has become a topic considered rather too briefly and in a rather too stereotyped manner, and which thereby has always denied physics graduates of the deeper insight into how Lorentz invariance is at the root of almost everything. * John Dainton, Sir James Chadwick Professor of Physics, University of Liverpool *Table of Contents1: Preface 2: Terminology and notation 3: The elements of general relativity 4: An introductory example: the uniform static field 5: Life in a rotating world 6: Linearized general relativity 7: Slow stationary sources 8: Gravitational waves 9: Manifolds 10: Vectors on manifolds 11: The affine connection 12: Further useful ideas 13: Tensors 14: Parallel transport and geodesics 15: Physics in curved spacetime 16: Curvature 17: The Einstein field equation 18: Schwarzschild-Droste solution 19: Further spherically symmetric solutions 20: Rotating bodies; the Kerr metric 21: Black holes 22: Black hole thermodynamics 23: Cosmology 24: Cosmological dynamics 25: The growth of structure 26: Observational cosmology 27: The very early universe 28: First steps in classical field theory 29: Lagrangian mechanics for fields 30: Conclusion Free

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Book SynopsisThe book explores the surprising connections between the study of the universe on the largest scales, and the physics of the infinitely small, and investigates the extraordinary potential of multi-messenger astronomy to provide answers to the key questions of fundamental physics and thus revolutionise our understanding of the universe.Trade ReviewThe author lets his enthusiasm for the subject and its research enterprises shine through, which is an excellent feature * Dave Pike, The Observatory *Particularly timely, and of great appeal to a wide readership from the professional scientist to the intelligent layperson * Professor Sir James Hough, University of Glasgow *A timely, engrossing, witty yet scholarly work, this book is essential reading for anybody interested in the cutting edge of cosmology. Prof. Bertone is an expert guide with the rare gift of presenting complex ideas in an accessible, original and compelling way. An armchair journey to the limits of the known universe and beyond! * Professor Roberto Trotta, Imperial College London and International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) *This is an excellent book that will convey to the lay public the excitement of recent discoveries that are bringing us novel and even revolutionary insights about the nature of the cosmos we inhabit * Professor Abhay Ashtekar, Director of the Institute for Gravitational Physics and Geometry at Pennsylvania State University *A clear and readable account of humanity's fascination with the cosmos, from ancient times to the Nobel prizewinning observation of gravitational waves. Explains the triumphs and crises of current theories of the origin and structure of the universe in simple, accessible terms. Enjoyable and informative * Professor Ian Stewart FRS, author of Calculating the Cosmos *An intriguing blend of cosmic mysteries and observational probes, with a delightfully accessible approach * Joseph Silk, Homewood Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University *A lively introduction to the newly emerging field of multi-messenger astronomy, outlining the certainties and possibilities as well as the intriguing open questions - a must-read for young minds who want to venture into this new and exciting journey of cosmic exploration * Priyamvada Natarajan, astrophysicist and author of Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos *With equal parts flair and sophistication, Bertone takes us on an incredible tour of our universe's greatest mysteries. The language is at times so evocative you might forget you're actually learning something! * Dan Hooper, Head of the Theoretical Astrophysics Group, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Chicago *In this charming book, Gianfranco Bertone considers puts cutting-edge ideas -- black holes, dark energy, inflationary cosmology -- into their proper context as part of humanity's ongoing quest to understand the universe. Wonderfully written, Tale of Two Infinities manages to illuminate cosmic vistas while never losing sight of the human perspective * Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of Spacetime *The detection of gravitational waves in 2015 was just the beginning. The insatiably curious seeking context and some sense of the promise of these new starry messengers should look no further. Gianfranco Bertone is a sure guide, and A Tale of Two Infinities is an engaging tour * Jim Baggott, author of Quantum Reality *The recent developments in Cosmology have shown that the infinitely big (the Universe) and the infinitely small (fundamental forces and particles, structure of spacetime at the microscopic, subatomic level) have never been so close to each other. Physicists studying both "infinities" ask the same questions and look for the same answers. The reader will feel comfortably cradled between these two infinities. The text manages to present the latest, on-going "revolution" brought about by the recent direct detection of gravitational waves in a simple way yet respecting and reflecting the deep meaning of it. Enjoy! * Licia Verde, ICREA professor, Instituto de Ciencias del Cosmos (ICC), University of Barcelona *Table of ContentsThe architecture of the cosmos 9 Spheres of heaven Dark foundations Cosmic inferno Stories of a certain Gravity Queen of the cosmos The order of heaven The most beautiful theory The new messengers Gravitational waves Einstein's last gift Ghost Particles Black Holes Phenomenology of the absurd Quantum effects Upcoming waves Dark Matter Halos, streams, and lenses New Physics New portals Dark Energy Possible explanations Quantum origins The future Quantum genesis In the beginning Inflation Primordial waves

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Book SynopsisIntended for space crews living and working in zero gravity, as well as for the community of scientists, physicians and engineers who support them. This work offers advice on physiological and medical problems of bone loss, kidney stones, motion sickness, muscle loss, loss of balance, orthostatic intolerance, weight loss, and more.Trade ReviewI strongly recommend Space Physiology to physicians and scientists engaged in aerospace medicine and anyone interested in the US space program. I also recommend this book to our law makers, because it is they who must resolve to properly fund our aerospace medical research efforts. * JAMA *Table of Contents1. Bone Loss: Dealing with Calcium and Bone Loss in Space ; 2. Psychosocial Support: Maintaining an Effective Team ; 3. Radiation Hazards: Establishing a Safe Level ; 4. Muscle Loss: A Practical Approach to Maintaining Strength ; 5. Extravehicular Activity: Performing EVA Safely ; 6. Balance: Neurovestibular Effects of Spaceflight and Their Operational Consequences ; 7. Cardiovascular Changes: Atrophy, Arrhythmias, and Orthostatic Intolerance ; 8. Nutrition: Maintaining Body Mass and Preventing Disease ; 9. Motion Sickness in Space: Prevention and Treatment ; 10. Gender: Identifying and Managing the Relevant Differences ; 11. Preflight Preparation and Postflight Recovery: Preparation and Rehabilitation ; 12. Long-Duration Flight Medical Planning: Medical Care on the Way to the Moon and Mars

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Book SynopsisPart of the reissued Oxford Classic Texts in the Physical Sciences series, this book was first published in 1983, and has swiftly become one of the great modern classics of relativity theory. It represents a personal testament to the work of the author, who spent several years writing and working-out the entire subject matter.The theory of black holes is the most simple and beautiful consequence of Einstein''s relativity theory. At the time of writing there was no physical evidence for the existence of these objects, therefore all that Professor Chandrasekhar used for their construction were modern mathematical concepts of space and time. Since that time a growing body of evidence has pointed to the truth of Professor Chandrasekhar''s findings, and the wisdom contained in this book has become fully evident.Trade ReviewThere is no doubt in my mind that this book is a masterpiece...beautifully written and well-presented. * Roger Penrose in Nature *"Chandrasekhar has provided us with a magisterial text on the classical black holes, outstanding in the depth and detail of its coverage...Throughout, a wealth of mathematical ideas is explained and employed in the process of extracting the properties of these space-times, and the similarities and differences between the different black hole space-times are thoroughly treated. This book is an undoubted classic, and wil remain a standard reference work on black holes for many years." Mathematics Today, October 1999Table of Contents1. Mathematical preliminaries ; 2. A space-time of sufficient generality ; 3. The Schwarzchild space-time ; 4. The perturbations of the Schwarzchild black hole ; 5. The Reissner-Nordstrom solution ; 6. The Kerr metric ; 7. The geodesics in the Kerr space-time ; 8. Electromagnetic waves in Kerr geometry ; 9. The gravitational perturbations of the Kerr black hole ; 10. Spin-1/2 particles in Kerr geometry ; 11. Other solutions ; 12. Other methods

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Book SynopsisThe two-volume book Gravitational Waves provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the physics of gravitational waves. While Volume 1 is devoted to the theory and experiments, Volume 2 discusses what can be learned from gravitational waves in astrophysics and in cosmology, by systematizing a large body of theoretical developments that have taken place over the last decades. The second volume also includes a detailed discussion of the first direct detections of gravitational waves. In the author''s typical style, the theoretical results are generally derived afresh, clarifying or streamlining the existing derivations whenever possible, and providing a coherent and consistent picture of the field. The first volume of Gravitational Waves , which appeared in 2007, has established itself as the standard reference in the field. The scientific community has eagerly awaited this second volume. The recent direct detection of gravitational waves makes the topics in this book particularly tTrade ReviewThe book covers a staggering breadth of material and is extremely useful as a bird's-eye overview of the field... From now on I will recommend it as the best entry point for students who want to join this blooming research field * Emanuele Berti, Physics Today *Michele Maggiore's textbook spends equal effort reviewing the astrophysical and cosmological theories behind the production of cosmic gravitational waves and discussing the observational constraints that could be gleaned from the handful of LIGO/Virgo detections, the pulsar timing arrays and upcoming facilities like LISA. * Nature Astronomy *Table of ContentsIII: Astrophysical Sources of GWs 10: Stellar collapse 11: Neutron stars 12: Black-hole perturbation theory 13: Properties of dynamical space-times 14: GWs from coalescing compact binaries. Theory IV: Cosmology and Gravitational Waves 17: Basics of FRW cosmology 18: Helicity decomposition of the metric perturbations 19: Evolution of cosmological perturbations 20: The imprint of GWs on the CMB 21: Inflation and primordial perturbations 22: Stochastic backgrounds of cosmological origin 23: Stochastic backgrounds and pulsar timing arrays

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Book SynopsisWater dominates the surface of Earth and is vital to life on our planet. It is a remarkable liquid which shows anomalous behaviour. In this Very Short Introduction John Finney introduces the science of water, and explores how the structure of water molecules gives rise to its physical and chemical properties. Considering water in all three of its states as ice and steam as well as liquid, Finney explains the great importance of an understanding of its structure and behaviour to a range of fields including chemistry, astrophysics, and earth and environmental sciences. Finney describes the role of water in biology, and ends with a discussion of the outstanding controversies concerning water, and some of the ''magical'' properties which have been claimed for it.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 authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade Reviewa wake-up call to those who only think about it when their holiday's are washed out or their water bills arrive. * Northern Echo, Stephen Craggs *Table of Contents1. Water, water everywhere... ; 2. The water molecule and its interactions ; 3. Water as ice(s) ; 4. Water as a liquid - and as glas(ses) ; 5. The anomalies explained. ; 6. Water as a biomolecule ; 7. Some past and current controversies ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisThe Cosmic Mystery Tour takes us on a lightning tour of the mysteries of the universe enlivened by brief stories of the colourful characters who created modern science. It explores hot topics in physics and astronomy, including the recent discovery of gravitational waves; the quest for the origin of dark matter; the study of the supermassive black hole at the centre of the galaxy; the ongoing search for Earth-like exoplanets; the search for signals from extraterrestrials; and the development of technologies to send spacecraft to the stars.The first part of the book explores the laws that govern the universe. Physics is a spiritual quest to find deep meaning in the cosmos. Its goal is to provide a concise, but accurate description of the world that accounts for all the amazing features that it contains. The second part takes a look at the history of the cosmos, studies its geography and explores some of its architectural highlights such as red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars and the ultimate cosmic mysteries-supermassive black holes. The last part considers the possibility that life might exist elsewhere in the universe, and explores the cosmos from the outer fringes of science fiction to the ongoing search for alien civilizations.Trade ReviewAmbitious in scope and easy to read, this book is a small guide to that largest of subjects ... the many pictures are not just the usual beautiful scientific images from NASA and ESA that we've come to expect in popular science, but include relevant artistic and cultural references ... Mee is an experienced science communicator and this shows in his confident and engaging tone ... enjoyable, fast-paced account... It would be ideal for anyone wanting to know more about the underlying physics of the pretty pictures we see in the media. * Pippa Goldschmidt, BBC Sky at Night *... high-quality, small-format hardback ... The Cosmic Mystery Touris aimed at beginners looking for an easy-to-read introduction to the modern view of the Universe. It's an engaging read and provides a good springboard to further investigation of any topic that captures the reader's imagination. For those of us with a more rigorous academic background in physics, it is still an entertaining diversion for a couple of hours. * Astronomy Now *An accessible introduction to all things cosmos... * Maren Ostergard, Booklist *The book does an admirable job of following the developments and groundwork of classical physics through the latest in quantum physics and recent discoveries including gravity waves in a very comprehensible way using excellent diagrams and images. * Amateur Astronomy Magazine *Mee has a knack for introducing the reader to some of the colourful characters... His explanations are spot on, just enough to make sense of key discoveries without ever becoming overwhelming. There are also lots of colourful images photos of scientists, concept art and even movie stills that help break up the text. * Katrina Kramer, Chemistry World *Every so often a book comes along that attempts to introduce the universe to a reader in as short a context as possible. Some work, others don't. The Cosmic Mystery Tour does ... In a very small, readable format, with way over a hundred illustrations, most of which are in color, the author has given us a handy, portable collection of the cosmos. And, the reader doesnt have to read from cover to cover: Anywhere you open it up, and start to read, you will be fascinated with the study of our universe - past, present, and future. * Francine Jackson, theskyscrapers.org *Nicholas Mee, in his brilliant The Cosmic Mystery Tour: A High-Speed Journey through Space & Time, offers a chapter-by-short-chapter assemblage of the theories, discoveries, and general relativity-type great leaps of inspiration that account for the impressive amount of knowledge we have about the universe... Refreshingly comprehensible, for the subject matter, this project is a delight. * Matt Sutherland, Foreword Reviews *Packed with a wealth of scientific snippets. * David C. Barber, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsPart 1: The Laws of The Cosmos1: The Path to Immortality2: The Rosetta Stone and Quantum Waves3: We're Having a Field Day!4: Cosmic Ripples5: Lovely LISA6: Animated Atom Boy7: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star8: Forces of the World Unite!9: Most of the Universe is Missing!Part II: The History, Geography and Architecture of the Cosmos10: From Genesis to Revelation!11: The Battle for the Cosmos12: Alchemical Furnaces of the Cosmos13: Diamonds in the Sky14: From the Leviathan to the Behemoth15: The Crab and the Jellyfish16: The Ultimate Heavy Metal Space Rock17: Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster18: Cosmic Spacequakes19: Doctor Atomic and the Black Hole20: Supermassive Black HolesPart III: The Biology of the Cosmos21: The Gorgon's Head!22: Raise Your Glasses to the Skies!23: Life, But Not as We Know It!24: To Boldly Go...25: Somewhere Over the Rainbow26: Where is Everybody?

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Book SynopsisThe Sun, as our nearest star, is of enormous importance for life on Earth - providing the warm radiation and light which allowed complex life to evolve. The Sun plays a key role in influencing our climate, whilst solar storms and high-energy events can threaten our communication infrastructure and satellites.This Very Short Introduction explores what we know about the Sun, its physics, its structure, origins, and future evolution. Philip Judge explains some of the remaining puzzles about the Sun that still confound us, using elementary physics, and mathematical concepts. Why does the Sun form spots? Why does it flare? As he shows, these and other nagging difficulties relate to the Sun''s continually variable magnetism, which converts an otherwise dull star into a machine for flooding interplanetary space with variable radiation, high-energy particles and magnetic ejections. Throughout, Judge highlights the many reasons that the Sun is important, and why scientists engage in solar research.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 authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1: The Sun, our star 2: The Sun's life-cycle 3: Spots and magnetic fields 4: The dynamic corona 5: Solar impacts on Earth Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisNot long ago, the Solar System was the only example of a planetary system - a star and the bodies orbiting it - that we knew. Now, we know thousands of planetary systems, and have even been able to observe planetary systems at the moment of their birth. This Very Short Introduction explores this new frontier, incorporating the latest research. The book takes the reader on a journey through the grand sweep of time, from the moment galaxies begin to form after the Big Bang to trillions of years in the future when the Universe will be a dilute soup of dim galaxies populated mostly by red dwarf stars. Throughout, Raymond T. Pierrehumbert introduces the latest insights gained from a new generation of telescopes that catch planetary systems at the moment of formation, and to the theoretical advances that attempt to make sense of these observations. He explains how the elements that make up life and the planets on which life can live are forged in the interiors of dying stars, and make their way into rocky planets. He also explores the vast array of newly discovered planets orbiting stars other than our own, and explains the factors that determine their climates. Finally, he reveals what determines how long planetary systems can live, and what happens in their end-times. Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring 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 authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewNamed by the Lunar and Planetary Institute as a 'New and Noteworthy' book. * Lunar and Planetary Institute *Table of Contents1: Beginnings 2: Creation revealed 3: Beautiful theories, ugly facts 4: What are planets made of? 5: A grand tour of exoplanets 6: Planetary climate and habitability 7: How it all ends Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses many advances in optical physics and is intended mainly for experimentalists. The interaction of electromagnetic radiation with free atoms is introduced using classical or semi-classical calculations wherever possible. Topics discussed include the spontaneous emission of radiation, and atomic beam magnetic resonance experiments.Trade ReviewThe academic worth of this book is already well established...the book certainly offers substantial added value to the novice. The book is a handy reference for all. * The Higher Education Academy *Corney's book has much to offer. * Physics Today *The book will be of great value: to undergraduates, to beginning graduate students, even to atomic theorists. * Nature *Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. Review of Classical Electrodynamics ; 3. Review of Quantum Mechanics ; 4. The Spontaneous Emission of Radiation ; 5. Selection Rules for Electric Dipole Transitions ; 6. Measurement of Radiative Lifetimes of Atoms and Molecules ; 7. Forbidden Transitions and Metastable Atoms ; 8. The Width and Shape of Spectral Lines ; 9. The Absorption and Stimulated Emission of Radiation ; 10. Radiative Transfer and the Formation of Spectral Lines ; 11. Population Inversion Mechanisms in Gas Lasers ; 12. Resonant Modes of Optical Cavities ; 13. Saturation Characteristics and the Single-Frequency Operation of Gas Lasers ; 14. Turnable Dye Lasers and Atomic Spectroscopy ; 15. The Hanle Effect and the Theory of Resonance Flourescence Experiments ; 16. Optical Double Resonance Experiments ; 17. Optical Pumping Experiments ; 18. The Hyperfine Structure of Atoms and its Investigation by Magnetic Resonance Methods ; Appendix

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Book SynopsisGalaxies are the building blocks of the Universe: standing like islands in space, each is made up of many hundreds of millions of stars in which the chemical elements are made, around which planets form, and where on at least one of those planets intelligent life has emerged. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, is just one of several hundred million other galaxies that we can now observe through our telescopes. Yet it was only in the 1920s that we realised that there is more to the Universe than the Milky Way, and that there were in fact other ''islands'' out there. In many ways, modern astronomy began with this discovery, and the story of galaxies is therefore the story of modern astronomy. Since then, many exciting discoveries have been made about our own galaxy and about those beyond: how a supermassive black hole lurks at the centre of every galaxy, for example, how enormous forces are released when galaxies collide, how distant galaxies provide a window on the early Universe, and what the formation of young galaxies can tell us about the mysteries of Cold Dark Matter. In this Very Short Introduction, renowned science writer John Gribbin describes the extraordinary things that astronomers are learning about galaxies, and explains how this can shed light on the origins and structure of the Universe.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 authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. A Very Short Introduction ; 2. The Great Debate ; 3. Our Island ; 4. The Expanding Universe ; 5. Across the Universe ; 6. The Origin of Galaxies ; 7. The Universe at Large ; References & Further Reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisWill we ever discover a single scientific theory that tells us everything that has happened, and everything that will happen, on every level in the Universe? The quest for the theory of everything - a single key that unlocks all the secrets of the Universe - is no longer a pipe-dream, but the focus of some of our most exciting research about the structure of the cosmos. But what might such a theory look like? What would it mean? And how close are we to getting there? In New Theories of Everything, John D. Barrow describes the ideas and controversies surrounding the ultimate explanation. Updating his earlier work Theories of Everything with the very latest theories and predictions, he tells of the M-theory of superstrings and multiverses, of speculations about the world as a computer program, and of new ideas of computation and complexity. But this is not solely a book about modern ideas in physics - Barrow also considers and reflects on the philosophical and cultural consequences of thTrade ReviewReview from previous edition A fascinating journey... Barrow gets right down to fundamental issues in addressing this central question in modern science. * Kirkus Reviews *A fine book. * John Gribbin, The Independent *A worthwhile update. * Amanda Gefter, New Scientist *A highly rewarding intellectual adventure. * Jim Al-Khalili, Focus *Table of Contents1. Ultimate Explanation ; 2. Laws ; 3. Initial Conditions ; 4. Forces and Particles ; 5. Constants of Nature ; 6. Broken Symmetries ; 7. Organizing Principles ; 8. Selection Effects ; 9. Pi in the Sky ; Bibliography and Index

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Book SynopsisEvery atom of our bodies has been part of a star. Our very own star, the Sun, is crucial to the development and sustainability of life on Earth. This Very Short Introduction presents a modern, authoritative examination of how stars live, producing all the chemical elements beyond helium, and how they die, sometimes spectacularly, to end as remnants such as black holes.Andrew King shows how understanding the stars is key to understanding the galaxies they inhabit, and thus the history of our entire Universe, as well as the existence of planets like our own. King presents a fascinating exploration of the science of stars, from the mechanisms that allow stars to form and the processes that allow them to shine, as well as the results of their inevitable death. 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 expeTrade ReviewPart of the extensive Very Short Introduction series, this volume by Andrew King provides an engaging overview of the science of stars. This pocket-sized book is an enjoyable read. * Dawn E. Leslie, Contemporary Physics *Table of ContentsPREFACE; FURTHER READING

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Book SynopsisCircumstellar disks are vast expanses of dust that form around new stars in the earliest stages of their birth. This work covers a range of scientific knowledge that helps in understanding circumstellar disks, including chemical processes, the properties of dust and gases, hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, and stellar evolution.Trade Review"Garcia provides a deep, insightful presentation of the key theoretical issues relevant to understanding the protoplanetary disks that are likely sites for future planet formation. This volume will certainly be a fundamental contribution to astrophysical literature." (Suzan Edwards, Smith College)"

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Book SynopsisCircumstellar disks are vast expanses of dust that form around new stars in the earliest stages of their birth. This work covers a range of scientific knowledge that helps in understanding circumstellar disks, including chemical processes, the properties of dust and gases, hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics, and stellar evolution.Trade Review"Garcia provides a deep, insightful presentation of the key theoretical issues relevant to understanding the protoplanetary disks that are likely sites for future planet formation. This volume will certainly be a fundamental contribution to astrophysical literature." (Suzan Edwards, Smith College)"

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Friendships and rivalries, the demands of war, the limits of technology . . . these are among the rich universe of forces that conflict and conspire to bring us what we usually gloss over as the inevitable march of scientific progress. Kaiser's book provides a wonderful glimpse behind the curtain into the messier--but far more human--truth of the matter. Beautifully written and extraordinarily well researched, the book makes a profound point about the sociopolitical nature of science that all readers--from physics buffs and historians to students and laypeople--need to hear."--Amanda Gefter, author of Trespassing on Einstein's Lawn "Kaiser is a master writer, and this is some of his finest work. An extraordinary combination of technical science, rich history, and telling anecdote, Quantum Legacies is cutting-edge scholarship rendered in a style equal to any popular science writing. When a non-academic asks me 'what is the history of science?' I will give them this book."--Matthew Stanley, author of Einstein's War: How Relativity Triumphed Amid the Vicious Nationalism of World War I

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Book SynopsisThis text chronicles the productive scientific career of Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, one of the 20th-century's distinguished astrophysicists. Among Chandrasekhar's discoveries were the critical mass that makes a star too massive to become a white dwarf and the mathematical theory of black holes.Table of ContentsContributors: James Binney, John L. Friedman, Norman R. Lebovitz, Donald E. Osterbrock, E. N. Parker, Roger Penrose, A. R. P. Rau, George B. Rybicki, E. E. Salpeter, Bernard F. Schutz, G. Srinivasan.

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Book SynopsisUses the figure of A S Eddington (1882-1944) - a pioneer in astrophysics, relativity, and the popularization of science, and a devout Quaker - to show how religious and scientific values can interact without compromising the integrity of either. This book questions many common assumptions about the relationship between science and spirituality.Trade Review"Although Eddington's work has often been noted by scholars dealing with the relationship between science and religion, no one has attempted an analysis of his thought at anything like the level of detail now provided by Matthew Stanley. Practical Mystic throws much extra light on Eddington himself and will serve as a model for what this kind of detailed study can do to help us understand how technical science can actually be influenced by the individual scientist's position on wider issues." - Peter J. Bowler, Queen's University Belfast"

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Trade Review"Lessons in cosmology and astrophysics abound in this enthusiastic primer from physicist Davies. In answering thirty questions, Davies aims to show how 'beautiful and awe-inspiring' the world is. . . . Accessible writing and a breezy appreciation for discovery make this a great introduction for readers new to physics." * Publishers Weekly *"Dark matter, black holes, dark energy: with all this shadowy terminology in play, it’s no wonder when laypeople find cosmology off-putting, so What’s Eating the Universe? illumines the mysteries of quantum physics in a nonthreatening way." * Foreword Reviews *"A whirlwind tour through the vastness of space and the innermost recesses of subatomic matter. . . . A long career in cosmology, astrobiology, and quantum mechanics gives Davies a keen insight into the realities of research. . . . Like the immense void that gapes across the sky in the direction of the constellation Eridanus, a yawning emptiness that some have suggested may be the sign of another universe set to gobble up our own, the mysteries of space are so vast and so strange that we cannot but be amazed." * Wall Street Journal *"Astrophysicist Davies takes a tour of the cosmos’s grand questions and considers, among other things, supermassive black holes." * Publishers Weekly *"From ancient astronomy and Newton's Law of gravity to dark energy, time loops and extraterrestrial life, the distinguished science writer with a 'short, inspiring and highly entertaining' account of the history of the universe, framed through thirty cosmological conundrums." * Bookseller *"Understanding theoretical physics is a daunting task, but cosmologist Davies’s new book What’s Eating the Universe? is here to guide readers through the field. Davies covers general relativity, antimatter, time travel, the multiverse, and just about any other topic he could fit into the book’s two hundred pages. Each chapter is short—less than ten pages—but jargon-free and full of information. Davies uses a conversational tone to draw the reader in as he skims the history, experiments, and significance of each concept. Regardless of the reader’s prior physics knowledge, the book provides an accessible introduction to cosmology." * Physics Today *"A whistle-stop tour of the biggest mysteries that cosmologists are investigating today. . . . The eponymous chapter details an unexpected void-like cold spot that astronomers have found in the constellation of Eridanus. Speculations follow that our universe might be spontaneously engulfed by a collision with another, or by the quantum vacuum decaying to a lower energy level. If you can bear to contemplate such scary prospects, this book is a fun way of making sure you’re all caught up on where cosmology is at today." * Physics World *"This is physicist and renowned author Davies’s specialty—providing interesting and provocative commentary on the most profound questions the universe has to offer. And in his compelling new book, What’s Eating the Universe?, Davies excels in succinctly addressing the big intangibles; the cosmological conundrums that haven’t received as much attention as dark matter, dark energy, what triggered the big bang, and the ultimate fate of the universe." * Forbes *"What's Eating the Universe? gives a concise summary of what we know about the universe, including the Big Bang, inflation, the existence . . . of what we call dark matter and dark energy, the possibility of other universes, black holes and the nature of time—all in around 150 accessible and beautifully written pages that can be read in short, discrete chunks. As a whistle-stop tour, it is breathtaking." * Times Higher Education *“Why is the night sky dark? Where is the center of the Universe? Is time travel possible? How many universes are there? These are some of the thirty questions that Davies tackles in his latest book. Some of the answers are settled by consensus, others are more speculative; all are thought-provoking. The chapters are arranged roughly in chronological order of the observations and theoretical advances to which they relate, making the book an entertaining and accessible whistle-stop tour of (mostly Western) thinking about cosmology.” * Nature Astronomy *"Recommended [for] all readers." * Choice *“Brilliant. You won’t find a clearer, more engaging guide to what we know (or would like to know) about the universe and how it is put together.” -- Bill Bryson“What’s Eating the Universe? is a veritable feast for curious minds. Davies, a polymath and lyrical writer, masterfully tackles all the big questions ranging from why this Universe to the meaning of life and the significance of the present moment—a whirlwind journey through ideas that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos and its constituents.” -- Priyamvada Natarajan, author of "Mapping the Heavens: The Radical Scientific Ideas That Reveal the Cosmos"“A whistle-stop tour of the major questions in contemporary cosmology.” -- Philip Ball, author of "Beyond Weird: Why Everything You Thought You Knew about Quantum Physics Is Different"“Davies gives us a thought-provoking, fascinating, and delightful journey through some of the Big Questions that have perplexed and tantalized scientists throughout history. These are the questions and paradoxes that have stumped and teased history’s greatest minds. What happened before the beginning? What is the meaning of the universe? Are there other universes?” -- Michio Kaku“Davies brings his customary lucidity to a survey of some of the most fascinating and puzzling aspects of our universe, simultaneously educating us about its vertiginous wonders and giving us a real sense of science’s questions as it confronts and explores them and wrestles with their mystery. It is an absorbing and stimulating read, one of the best of its kind.” -- A. C. Grayling“What’s Eating the Universe? is Davies at his very best. He brings a lifetime of experience in explaining mysteries of space and time to offer thought-provoking essays on deep questions in bite-sized, easily digestible chunks. There is no better overview of the advances made by cosmologists in recent decades.” -- John Gribbin“Davies has selected a wonderful potpourri of deep questions with incomplete answers. The result is a delightful, fresh-smelling account of the cutting edge of modern cosmology. He is truly exceptional at explaining all of this in his inimitable style—let’s say ‘astropoetry.’” -- Simon Mitton, University of Cambridge"A lucid, simple, informative, and good-humored primer on the big questions of modern physics and cosmology, which describes not only the triumphs, but the remaining difficulties. Davies at his best!" -- Ian Stewart, author of "Calculating the Cosmos" "Davies’ What’s Eating the Universe? is an accessible and engaging introduction to cosmology that will surely pique the interest of students, scholars, and the general public. Davies’ clear and captivating narrative style brings the reader on a journey through cosmological mysteries, while covering a wide range of topics that go beyond the usual fare of popular science books. . . . Davies’s book is a valuable resource for the philosophy classroom and for those philosophers interested in a brief summary of contemporary physical cosmology." * Metascience *Table of ContentsPreface 1. Journey from the Edge of Time 2. The Search for the Key to the Universe 3. Why is It Dark at Night? 4. The Big Bang 5. Where is the Centre of the Universe? 6. Why the Cosmos is Actually Fairly Simple 7. What is the Speed of Space? 8. What is the Shape of Space? 9. Explaining the Cosmic Big Fix 10. Most of Our Universe is Missing 11. What is Dark Energy? 12. Where Does Matter Come From? 13. Gravity Conquers All 14. Warped Time and Black Holes 15. Is Time Travel Possible? 16. What is the Source of Time’s Puzzling Arrow? 17. The Black Hole Paradox 18. A Theory of Everything? 19. Fossils from the Cosmic Dawn 20. Can the Universe Come from Nothing? 21. How Many Universes Are There? 22. The Goldilocks Enigma 23. What’s Eating the Universe? 24. Is the Universe Actually a Botched Job? 25. Are We Alone? 26. Is ET in Our Backyard? 27. Why Am I Living Now? 28. The Fate of Our Universe 29. Is There a Meaning to It All? 30. What’s New on the Cosmic Horizon? Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"A masterpiece of historical analysis. . . . Skillfully written and a pleasure to read." * Nature * "A work of coherence, accessibility, and rhetorical power not generally found in [these] volumes. . . . Kaiser has woven together a unique, compelling, and kaleidoscopic portrait of the quantum revolution and its implications. He doesn't hide from the messiness of science but embraces the challenge of understanding its underlying human and social conditions." -- Jose G. Perillan * Physics Today * "Quantum Legacies does not disappoint. . . . It is a breath of fresh air to see physics writing like this: lucid and friendly, sober and thoughtful, and willing to trust the reader's engagement and intelligence rather than demanding the former and underestimating the latter. . . . Superb popular science. . . . It is hard for me to imagine any physicist who wouldn't enjoy the fine cloth from which it is cut, nor the pleasing effect it makes." -- Philip Ball * Physics World * "Engrossing. . . . Leave[s] us with a richer picture of physics as a lived activity." * Los Angeles Review of Books * "Most history books written for the wider public favor a narrower understanding of science. David Kaiser's work is a welcomed exception. . . . [He] gives a witty and insightful overview of the development of modern physics. . . . An engrossing read that will give specialists and nonspecialists alike a deeper understanding of how phenom ena as diverse as geopolitics and eastern mysticism have shaped physics in the past century." * Science * "An ambitious collection of essays that merges [Kaiser's] two scholarly identities. . . . A wide-ranging anthology." -- Melinda Baldwin * Physics Today * "From Einstein to Heisenberg, Schroedinger to Hawking, Kaiser humanises the people and by extension their ideas, all the while making connections between the inner world of the academic quantum theory community and the outer world of global events. This sociopolitical standpoint is a key factor in making the technical science relevant to the non-expert reader. . . . In this collection of highly entertaining essays, he finds the perfect line between scientific scholarship and telling a good story." * Engineering & Technology * "All together it paints a very compelling picture of how strategic decisions at the public policy level shaped the way physicists have gone about studying the universe. . . . It's a good story well told." * Forbes * "Captivating. . . . You can really get the sense of the quantum mechanical impact on various and disparate fields ranging from cosmology to the early foundations of quantum mechanics, the history of quantum mechanics, all the way up through popular culture, weaving its way through how physics pedagogy and even scientific STEM pedagogy is taught to this very day. . . . It's exhaustively researched and referenced. . . . I want people to buy every single copy." -- Brian Keating * Into the Impossible * "The book paints intimate portraits of some incredible luminaries . . . . Kaiser is an incredible ambassador for physics and its history." -- Matthew Jordan * New Books in Science, Technology, and Society * "Fantastically readable. Anybody interested in either science or history on a professional or a popular level should read it. It's a fantastic introduction to the way you can think about science in all sorts of different interdisciplinary, humanistic ways. It's really a huge amount of fun." -- Matthew Stanley * What the If? * "It's [Kaiser's] careful analysis of physics's sociological aspects that makes Quantum Legacies a delightful read. . . . This is the kind of material that you won't find in other books on the history and philosophy of physics." -- Ash Jogalekar * The Curious Wavefunction * "This interesting anthology on selected topics from the rich history of quantum mechanics, especially during its glory days, will engross any reader who has even a modest acquaintance with quantum theory." * Choice, 2020 Outstanding Academic Title * "Full of striking statistics, commentary, and lovely analogies and metaphors. . . . These are engaging, though-provoking, fun-to-read essays that are compact enough that one can get through several in an evening. They will make you consider familiar physical concepts in new ways. All readers will come away richer in their knowledge of the people and circumstances behind how physics arrived at where it is. You will enjoy this book." * American Journal of Physics * "The book not only gives an insight into the development of quantum theory and the lives of the scientists involved, it also explores the complexities of funding, political and sociological considerations, and the influence of the Cold War. . . . [It] provides useful background for physics educators and deserves a place in school science libraries." * Physics Education * "Kaiser-writing in prose that sometimes soars, often intrigues, and always informs-gives us here a remarkable set of vignettes about major developments in physics and cosmology of the past century. His vignettes beautifully integrate science with human history and with insightful descriptions of outsized personalities. This book will be enjoyable and enlightening for a diverse readership: from complete novices in science, to students of science and history, and to professional scientists and historians." -- Kip Thorne, Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, California Institute of Technology, and 2017 Nobel Laureate in Physics "Physicists are people! They have insecurities, love lives, monetary concerns, and political opinions, all while striving to uncover the fundamental workings of reality. Kaiser spins engaging tales that both explain fascinating aspects of physics in a lucid way and illuminate the human beings who worked to discover them." -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden "Have you ever wondered why Schroedinger chose such a morbid illustration of quantum physics as a half-dead cat? Want to know how an alleged Soviet spy escaped capture and went on to shake up particle physics? Can you guess what propelled The Tao of Physics to bestseller status? If questions like these spark your curiosity, this book is for you. I can imagine no better guide for an insider's tour of twentieth-century physics than Kaiser. These witty vignettes beautifully illustrate what Kaiser calls the 'doubleness' of scientific research, its ability to bequeath enduring insights while reflecting the quirks and foibles of historical circumstances." -- Deborah R. Coen, author of Climate in Motion "Explaining physics is easier than explaining physicists. In Quantum Legacies, Kaiser succeeds at both." -- George Dyson, author of Turing's Cathedral "What is extraordinary about Kaiser as a writer (and what makes his essays so much fun to read) is not only his ability to animate the range of personalities in these pages, from Einstein to Heisenberg, Schroedinger to Hawking, but also the way he brings the same humanizing impulse to their mind-bending ideas. His talent for uncovering connections between otherworldly ideas and the social and political worlds in which they take shape makes him a simply spellbinding guide to the mysteries of the universe." -- Nell Freudenberger, author of Lost and Wanted "Kaiser is a master writer, and this is some of his finest work. An extraordinary combination of technical science, rich history, and telling anecdote, Quantum Legacies is cutting-edge scholarship rendered in a style equal to any popular science writing. When a non-academic asks me 'what is the history of science?' I will give them this book." -- Matthew Stanley, author of Einstein's War: How Relativity Triumphed amid the Vicious Nationalism of World War I "Friendships and rivalries, the demands of war, the limits of technology . . . these are among the rich universe of forces that conflict and conspire to bring us what we usually gloss over as the inevitable march of scientific progress. Kaiser's book provides a wonderful glimpse behind the curtain into the messier-but far more human-truth of the matter. Beautifully written and extraordinarily well researched, the book makes a profound point about the sociopolitical nature of science that all readers-from physics buffs and historians to students and laypeople-need to hear." -- Amanda Gefter, author of Trespassing on Einstein's LawnTable of ContentsForeword Alan Lightman Introduction Quanta 1 All Quantum, No Solace 2 Life-and-Death: When Nature Refuses to Select 3 Operation: Neutrino 4 Quantum Theory by Starlight Calculating 5 From Blackboards to Bombs 6 Boiling Electrons 7 Lies, Damn Lies, and Statistics 8 Training Quantum Mechanics 9 Zen and the Art of Textbook Publishing Matter 10 Pipe Dreams 11 Something for Nothing 12 Higgs Hunting 13 When Fields Collide Cosmos 14 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner 15 Gaga for Gravitation 16 The Other Evolution Wars 17 No More Lonely Hearts 18 Learning from Gravitational Waves 19 A Farewell to Stephen Hawking Acknowledgments Abbreviations Notes Index

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Book SynopsisOffers an introduction to the mathematical and physical techniques used in the study of high-energy astrophysics. This title approaches the basics of high-energy astrophysics with an emphasis on underlying physical processes as opposed to a more mathematical approach.Trade Review"Mario Vietri's book provides an excellent pedagogical introduction to the basic elements of high-energy astrophysics. The authoritative text is well balanced to serve both beginning students and advanced researchers. This exceptional combination of basic physics and its applications, rarely found to this level of rigor in a single textbook, demonstrates how fundamental physical principles shape observable phenomena in one of the most exciting frontiers of present-day astrophysics." - Abraham Loeb, Harvard University"

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Book SynopsisBlack holes and neutron stars are generally recognized as key components of many astrophysical systems. Based on a symposium held in honour of S. Chandrasekhar, these papers provide a comprehensive summary of progress made in the 1990s on the theory of black holes and relativistic stars.Table of ContentsContributors Preface 1: Gravitational Waves, Stars and Black Holes Valeria Ferrari 2: Rotating Relativistic Stars John L. Friedman 3: Probing Black Holes and Relativistic Stars with Gravitational Waves Kip S. Thorne 4: Astrophysical Evidence for Black Holes Martin J. Rees 5: The Question of Cosmic Censorship Roger Penrose 6: Black Hole Collisions, Toroidal Black Holes, and Numerical Relativity Saul A. Teukolsky 7: The Internal Structure of Black Holes Werner Israel 8: Black Holes and Thermodynamics Robert M. Wald 9: The Statistical Mechanics of Black Hole Thermodynamics Rafael D. Sorkin 10: Generalized Quantum Theory in Evaporating Black Hole Spacetimes James B. Hartle 11: Is Information Lost in Black Holes? Stephen W. Hawking 12: Quantum States of Black Holes Gary T. Horowitz Chandra: A Tribute Kameshwar C. Wali Our Song Lalitha Chandrasekhar

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Book SynopsisBlack holes and neutron stars are generally recognized as key components of many astrophysical systems. Based on a symposium held in honour of S. Chandrasekhar, these papers provide a comprehensive summary of progress made in the 1990s on the theory of black holes and relativistic stars.

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Book SynopsisPacked with striking photography, Eyewitness Universe explores the incredible celestial bodies in our Solar System.Become an eyewitness to outer space and beyond, in this picture-led reference guide that will take you on a visual tour of the Universe. Children will be mesmerised by how past, present, and future space exploration has helped our understanding of the Sun, our Solar System, rocky planets, gas giants, and explosive stars.This beautifully illustrated guide for kids aged 9+ gives an insight into far-off galaxies and out-of-this-world objects captured by powerful space telescopes. Striking photographs and detailed illustrations help you learn the secrets of pulsars and black holes, and how they are created by dead stars.Throughout the pages of this newly-revised book on fossils, you can expect to find: - A fresh new look; new photographs, updated information, and a new eyewitness feature.- Amazing facts, updated diagr

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Leaves the reader with a renewed sense of wonder about our bizarre and vast cosmic habitat.”—Steven Poole, Wall Street Journal“The author ranges elsewhere from ringed planets to enormous clusters of galaxies, gravity waves and the big bang, and she properly emphasizes the contributions of some unjustly overlooked women astronomers, such as Jocelyn Bell, who did not share in the 1974 Nobel Prize awarded for her team’s work on neutron stars. The overall effect of the book is like binge-watching an excellent Netflix documentary series and leaves the reader with a renewed sense of wonder about our bizarre and vast cosmic habitat.”—Steven Poole, Wall Street Journal“This is a fascinating read, but also serves as a contemporary history of some of the most momentous insights of modern science. An excellent book to see us through those cloudy nights this winter!” —Alastair Gunn, BBC Sky At Night (Book of the Month)Co-won the 2019 Science Communication Award, sponsored by The American Institute of Physics Dispatches from Planet 3 is on the longlist for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Young Adult Science Book categoryWinner of the 2019 Epiphany awards' Science Awareness award, sponsored by the Novim GroupListed on Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles List for 2019"In this tour of the universe through a mix of well-known and not-so-well-known stories, it's hard to stop and read just one. Fascinating and binge-worthy."--Adam Riess, Nobel Laureate in Physics, 2011“There is no better guide to the cosmos than Marcia Bartusiak. Here she offers a tour of the heavens that is refreshingly down-to-earth, revealing not only the mysteries of the universe but also the inspiring people who brought those secrets to light."—David Baron, author of American Eclipse“An intriguing look at the sky from a top-class science journalist who has always been attuned to the most recent advancements of research.”—Carlo Rovelli, author of Seven Brief Lessons on Physics"A fascinating compendium of essays on what scientists currently think the cosmos is like, and on the road to achieving those insights. Bartusiak takes the reader on a breathtaking journey from our familiar solar system to the speculative multiverse and from the beginning of time to the nature of time." —Mario Livio, author of Brilliant Blunders and Why?

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Book SynopsisA quirky, funny, and accessible blend of science and art that delves into the heart of Einstein’s theory of relativityTrade Review“What makes Reimagining Time unique is the complementary talents of its authors, a father-daughter team, who together create an enjoyable yet challenging exposition of [Einstein’s theory of relatvitiy].”—J. F. Burkhart, Choice“[This book’s] aim to provide a non-mathematical but quantitative description of SR—is as laudable as it is challenging. Just maybe it will appeal to enough readers to make it a cult classic.”—Peter Main, Physics Education“Hop aboard the relativity train with this lively and creative introduction to the most significant ideas of Einstein’s relativity. A spirited intellectual adventure!”—David Kaiser, author of Quantum Legacies: Dispatches from an Uncertain World“Understanding Einstein’s theory of special relativity can be hard. In the engaging and artfully illustrated Reimagining Time Tanya and Jeffrey Bub make the effort to understand it immensely enjoyable without compromising on correctness and rigor.”—Anil Ananthaswamy, author of Through Two Doors at Once“Tanya Bub and Jeffrey Bub have done it again! Reimagining Time is a delightful read, resulting in a conceptual understanding of one of the most important paradigm shifts in physics. Totally brilliant!”—Tiffany Nichols, Harvard University“Reimagining Time is a fascinating introduction to the core concepts of special relativity. The unique illustrated format and elegant writing will appeal to readers who have not encountered these ideas before.”—Chad Orzel, author of How to Teach Quantum Physics to Your Dog“Most introductions to Einstein's theory of special relativity teach one to accept its puzzling aspects. With clever narration and illustration, Reimagining Time helps you understand relativity.”—Craig Callender, author of What Makes Times Special?

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Book SynopsisIn this inspiring coming-of-age memoir, a world-renowned astrophysicist emerges from an impoverished childhood and crime-filled adolescence to ascend through the top ranks of research physics.Navigating poverty, violence, and instability, a young James Plummer had two guiding stars-a genius IQ and a love of science. But a bookish nerd was a soft target in his community, where James faced years of bullying and abuse. As he struggled to survive his childhood in some of the country''s toughest urban neighborhoods in New Orleans, Houston, and LA, and later in the equally poor backwoods of Mississippi, he adopted the persona of gangsta nerd-dealing weed in juke joints while winning state science fairs with computer programs that model Einstein''s theory of relativity. Once admitted to the elite physics PhD program at Stanford University, James found himself pulled between the promise of a bright future and a dangerous crack cocaine habit he developed in college. WTrade ReviewAn epic personal and scientific journey through a system stacked against him. Haunting and heroic -- Professor Sara Seager, author of THE SMALLEST LIGHTS IN THE UNIVERSEHakeem Oluseyi's journey to adulthood is not only lyrical but immensely expansive and powerful. Moving across the American west and south, A Quantum Life encompasses with equal grace matters of particle physics and matters of a fractured family, challenges that are self-wrought and challenges inflicted by racism, triumphs over an academic landscape engineered against poor African-Americans and triumphs of the human heart -- Jeff Hobbs, New York Times bestselling author of THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACEA physicist works with the statistical nature of the cosmos to predict the future - possible outcomes and unlikely ones. In A Quantum Life, you'll encounter one extraordinary turn of events after another, as the extraordinary chess player, puzzle solver, and occasional grifter, works his way from grinding poverty and deep despair to worldwide acclaim as a physicist. As you turn each page, you may not believe this outcome was possible. Read on -- Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary SocietyA Black astrophysicist delivers a memoir that demonstrates the unstoppable strength of intelligence and the human spirit ... A sharp, relatable book about self-reinvention and a loving nod to anyone who has ever believed in the potential of another * Kirkus (Starred Review) *This illuminating and candid memoir ... is a testament to human fortitude ... Fans of Neil deGrasse Tyson will embrace this invigorating account of a life devoted to science * Booklist (Starred Review) *Inspiring. His story serves as a reminder that barriers can be broken regardless of one's background and that there is no one way to be a scientist * Science *

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Book SynopsisDesigned in direct response to student surveys, focus groups and interviews, Hendrix/Thompson's EARTH SCIENCE: AN INTRODUCTION, 3rd Edition, delivers concise yet comprehensive coverage in an engaging and accessible format for majors and non-majors alike. The revised text brings concepts to life with current research and examples, a new-and-improved art program, over 150 new photos, and a clean, modern design. A second-to-none supplements package equips you with a wealth of resources, including MindTap--the digital learning solution that enables you to learn on your own terms.Table of Contents1. Earth Systems. Unit I: EARTH MATERIALS AND TIME. 2. Minerals. 3. Rocks. 4. Geologic Time: A Story in the Rocks. 5. Geologic Resources. Unit II: INTERNAL PROCESSES. 6. The Active Earth: Plate Tectonics. 7. Earthquakes and the Earth's Structure. 8. Volcanoes and Plutons. 9. Mountains. Unit III: SURFACE PROCESSES. 10. Weathering, Soil, and Erosion. 11. Fresh Water: Streams, Lakes, Ground Water, and Wetlands. 12. Water Resources. 13. Glaciers and Ice Ages. 14. Deserts and Wind. Unit IV: THE OCEANS. 15. Ocean Basins. 16. Oceans and Coastlines. Unit V: THE ATMOSPHERE. 17. The Atmosphere. 18. Energy Balance in the Atmosphere. 19. Moisture, Clouds, and Weather. 20. Climate. 21. Climate Change. Unit VI: ASTRONOMY. 22. Motions in the Heavens. 23. Planets and their Moons. 24. Stars, Space, and Galaxies.

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Book SynopsisNew York Times Bestseller  Wall Street Journal Bestseller  Publishers Weekly Bestseller  Publishers Marketplace 2020 Buzz Book   Amazon Best Book of the Year  Longlisted for the 2022 PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing AwardHarvard’s top astronomer lays out his controversial theory that our solar system was recently visited by advanced alien technology from a distant star.“Provocative and thrilling ... Loeb asks us to think big and to expect the unexpected.”—Alan Lightman, New York Times bestselling author of Einstein’s Dreams and Searching for Stars on an Island in MaineIn late 2017, scientists at a Hawaiian observatory glimpsed an object soaring through our inner solar system, moving so quickly that it could only have come from another star. Avi Loeb, Ha

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Book SynopsisThis textbook equips Masters' students studying Physics and Astronomy with the necessary mathematical tools to understand the basics of General Relativity and its applications. It begins by reviewing classical mechanics with a more geometrically oriented language, continues with Special Relativity and, then onto a discussion on the pseudo-Riemannian space-times. Applications span from the inner and outer Schwarzschild solutions to gravitational wave, black holes, spherical relativistic hydrodynamics, and Cosmology. The goal is to limit the abstract formalization of the problems, to favor a hands-on approach with a number of exercises, without renouncing to a pedagogical derivation of the main mathematical tools and findings. Features Provides a self-contained introduction to General Relativity and to its standar applications. Presents readers with all the tools necessary for further learning and research in the field. Accessible to readeTable of Contents1. Space and Time: The Classical View. 2. From Space and Time to Space-Time. 3. From Inertial to Non-Inertial Reference Frames. 4. Pseudo-Riemannian Spaces. 5. The Riemann-Christoffel Curvature Tensor. 6. From Non-Inertial Frames to Gravity: the Equivalence Principle. 7. Observational Test of the Equivalence Principle. 8. Field Equations in the "Vacuum": the Isotropic Solution. 9. Test-particles in the Schwarzschild Space-Time. 10. The Classical Tests of General Relativity. 11. Gravitational Waves in the "Vacuum". 12. Schwarzschild Black Holes. 13. Field Equations in Non-Empty Space-Times. 14. Further Applications of Some Field Equations. 15. Theoretical Cosmology. 16. The Hot Big-Bang. Appendix A. References. Index.

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