Space science Books

Book Synopsis For introductory course in space flight dynamics. A self-contained, integrated introduction to the performance aspects of flight — how to get into space, how to get around in space, and how to return to Earth or land on another planet (as opposed to specialized areas of life support, guidance and control, or communications).Table of Contents 1. Introduction. 2. Two-Body Orbital Mechanics. 3. Geocentric Orbits and Trajectories. 4. Time of Flight. 5. Interplanetary Tranfers. 6. Vehicle and Booster Performance. 7. Atmospheric Entry. 8. Orbital Elements and Earth Tracks. 9. The Ballistic Missile. 10. Attitude Dynamics and Control. Appendix A: Some Useful Vector Operations. Appendix B: Planetary Values. Appendix C: Additional Illustrations. Selected References. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe fascinating story of how NASA sent humans to explore outer space, told through a treasure trove of historical documents--publishing in celebration of NASA's 60th anniversary and with a foreword by Bill NyeAn extremely useful and thought provoking documentary journey through the maze of space history. There is no wiser or more experienced navigator through the twists and turns and ups and downs than John Logsdon. -James Hansen, New York Times bestselling author of First Man, now a feature film starring Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy Among all the technological accomplishments of the last century, none has captured our imagination more deeply than the movement of humans into outer space. From Sputnik to SpaceX, the story of that journey--including the inside history of our voyages to the moon depicted in First Man--is told as never before in The Penguin Book of Outer Space Exploration. RTrade Review"Somebody needed to do it. And Professor John Logsdon is uniquely qualified for the task — to reveal the cultural, political, and scientific correspondence that birthed and sustains our era of space exploration. The fits and starts of good ideas, the precarious flows of funding streams, the fickle sentiments of the public will — it’s all there, right on down to transcripts of illuminating conversations held in the Oval Office between the President and key players in this epic adventure." -Neil deGrasse Tyson, New York Times bestselling author of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry"I wish I'd had this terrific collection of critically important and richly insightful primary sources during my 31 years teaching university students about the history of space exploration. This new book provides an extremely useful and thought provoking documentary journey through the maze of space history. There is no wiser or more experienced navigator through the twists and turns and ups and downs than John Logsdon." -James Hansen, New York Times bestselling author of First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong"Brimming with fascinating behind-the-scenes details from the birth of the Space Age through the race to the Moon and beyond, this remarkable collection from one of America's preeminent space historians is a treasure.” -Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon "As a NASA astronaut, I already knew a lot about the history of human space flight, but this book contained a wealth of new and exciting revelations. I felt like a fly on the wall listening as critical decisions were being made about how to go to the Moon and whether or not to build the Space Shuttle. And what a thrill to read John Glenn’s own summary of his historic Mercury flight! There’s something here for everyone interested in any aspect of human space flight." -Jeff Hoffman, NASA astronaut and MIT professor"The story of space exploration is marked by a series of turning points, a series of policy decisions. These decisions are documented well enough, but the key documents would be very hard to find, if you didn't where to look. Dr. Logsdon does. He's the dean of space history. He is the world's foremost authority on which of the hundreds of thousands of documents hold the keys to knowing what and why significant things happened on Earth that influenced our presence in space." -Bill Nye, from the foreword“[John Logsdon] clearly knows and is inspired by his material, and his enthusiasm comes through here…. An absorbing read for space exploration enthusiasts, from high schoolers to adults.”—Library Journal “A fascinating look at an extraordinary time….This wonderful little book should be in everyman’s library.”—The Albany Times-Union

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book combines, for the first time, the topics of radar polarimetry and interferometry. This combination was first developed in 1997 and has since become a major topic in radar sciences and their applications, in particular to space sciences. In its simplest form it concerns the study of interferograms formed by combining waves with different polarisations and their exploitation to infer important physical properties of the planetary surface being investigated. The book is written in three main sections. The first four chapters provide a detailed coverage of all major topics of polarimetry, including its basis in electromagnetic scattering theory, decomposition theorems, and a detailed analysis of the entropy/alpha approach. The next chapter offers a brief introduction to radar interferometry, before developing in three chapters the important new topic of polarimetric interferometry. In this way the book provides a complete treatment of the subject, suitable for those working in inTrade Review'Polarisation' is promising as a reference for quantitative specialists outside the radar community who want to understand what polarimetry has to offer their particular field. It is also a fine reference for students who need to learn and keep the notation straight for coding and experimental design. It is a worthwhile book to keep on your shelf if you ever want to relate a particular polarization-based, remotely sensed finding to your own research. * Physics Today *Table of Contents1. Polarised electromagnetic waves ; 2. Depolarisation and scattering entropy ; 3. Depolarisation in surface and volume scattering ; 4. Decomposition theorems ; 5. Introduction to radar interferometry ; 6. Polarimetric interferometry ; 7. The coherence of surface and volume scattering ; 8. Parameter estimation using polarimetric interferometry ; 9. Applications of polarimetry and interferometry ; Appendix 1: Introduction to matrix algebra ; Appendix 2: Unitary and rotation groups ; Appendix 3: Coherent stochastic signal analysis

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“Shindell describes his book as ‘the history of human ideas about Mars’, and he thoughtfully follows its winding path through religion, literature and pop culture. . . . [He] persuasively argues that Mars is most instructive when it sheds light on how we see ourselves.” * New York Times *“[Shindell’s] fascinating narrative details how today’s discussions have been conditioned by distant antecedents. The book is a compact yet expansive survey, delving judiciously into the histories of religion and science, mass culture and popular literature, the Cold War and the Space Race—highlighting past mistakes and commending new possibilities.” * Wall Street Journal *"Shindell crafts a human-centered history of an alien world. For the Love of Mars offers a readable history of speculation and exploration about Mars, beginning with the skywatchers of ancient Mayan, Chinese, and Babylonian civilizations and ending with the scientists and engineers who work on current robotic missions." * Science *“Armchair astronomers and history buffs alike will find this to be a fresh and engaging account.” * Booklist *"This insightful history will charm readers of popular science, science fiction, and history." * Library Journal *"Shindell describes efforts to understand a celestial body closer to home, tracing the red planet’s evolution in the popular imagination." * Publishers Weekly *“If you want to be surprised and inspired by humankind’s fascination with the Red Planet, For the Love of Mars is a great read.” * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *“This is the right voice to bring Mars vividly to life. Shindell’s history of what we know about the red planet goes beyond Western ideas, bringing valuable knowledge from many times, places, and cultures both into our view and into rich conversation. Its diverse perspectives and cast of characters make For the Love of Mars an essential read.” * Janet Vertesi, author of Shaping Science: Organizations, Decisions, and Culture on NASA’s Teams *“Through a wonderful combination of scholarly scientific research and thoughtful humanist perspective, Shindell’s For the Love of Mars provides a delightfully educational and entertaining history of our exploration of the red planet.” * Jim Bell, Mars researcher and coauthor of Discovering Mars: A History of Observation and Exploration of the Red Planet *“Shindell has done the impossible: setting out the long history of human engagement with the red planet over thousands of years in a single book. For the Love of Mars is compelling reading for anyone who has ever looked at, or even just wondered about, the fourth world from the sun and whether we'll set foot on it someday.” * Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society *"Humans are unsettled by incomplete data, unanswered questions. Show us objects in the night sky, and we create worlds. So it has been with Mars, conspicuous to us Earthbound gazers as one of the heavenly bodies that wanders from place to place against the backdrop of the stars. . . . a world that could share features with our own, as images of the known and unknown were both refashioned through intertwined changes in observation, understanding, exploration and belief. It’s that long evolution of ideas – not yet concluded – that Matthew Shindell relates in this compact survey." * The Arts Desk *"More than justifies itself as ‘another book about Mars’ in exploring the planet from a distinct and thought-provoking perspective." * E&T *"By focusing on the diverse human stories behind the telescopes and behind the robots we know and love, Shindell shows how Mars exploration has evolved in ways that have also expanded knowledge about other facets of the universe. Captained by an engaging and erudite expert, For the Love of Mars is a captivating voyage through time and space for anyone curious about Curiosity and the red planet." * Sandbox World *"Because of its visibility and striking color, everyone from Mayan priests to modern scientists have sought to center [Mars] in some way in human life. In this book, Shindell explores the ways our curiosity and subsequent exploration of the planet has led us to understanding the rest of our world as well." * Bookriot *"Historians of science are already well-acquainted with Mars’ centrality to science itself, as the Red Planet’s retrograde motion through the night sky led Renaissance and Enlightenment astronomers to toss out the wisdom of the Greeks and map out a series of laws of motion we now call physics. Science, though, is only part of this story: faith, fear, imperialism, and demonstrations of national prowess all figure in Shindell’s stories of Martian exploration, from the construction of telescopes to the landing of rovers on the Martian surface and preparations for future human settlement." * Quest *"By focusing on the diverse human stories behind the telescopes and behind the robots we know and love, the author shows how Mars exploration has evolved in ways that have also expanded knowledge about other facets of the universe. This book is a captivating voyage through time and space for anyone curious about Curiosity and the Red Planet." * LPIB *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Prologue: Mars in the Time of COVID-19 Introduction: Keeping Up with Mars 1 Mars and the Cosmic State 2 Mars in the Medieval Imagination 3 Restructuring the World 4 The Making of Modern Mars 5 Cold War Red Planet 6 Mars and the New Millennium Conclusion: The Human Future of Mars? Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn illustrated trip around Planet Earth from the perspective of the International Space Station, resulting in a vibrant tribute to the wonders of nature and the effects of climate change.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJames Clay Moltz explores efforts by China, Japan, India, South Korea, and ten other countries to boost their civil, commercial, and, in some cases, military profiles in orbit. He investigates these nations’ divergent goals and their tendency to focus on national solutions rather than on regionwide cooperation and multilateral initiatives.Trade ReviewClay Moltz's masterful survey of rapidly developing Asian space programs sheds new light on the complex economic, military, and political forces driving them. The significance of Asian space efforts extends beyond immediate technical and scientific achievements and foreshadows the future of international cooperation and competition across the Asia-Pacific region. -- Scott Pace, director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University Asian states are latecomers to space, yet their collective choices will shape the space environment in the twenty-first century. Clay Moltz has written a theoretically informed, comparative book that expertly analyzes the strategic, economic, and domestic factors driving Asian states into space. He highlights the national and regional dynamics that are making space an increasingly 'congested, contested, and competitive environment,' but also identifies common interests and incentives that could support more cooperative outcomes. A must-read for space experts and Asia specialists alike. -- Phillip C. Saunders, National Defense University, coauthor of The Paradox of Power: Sino-American Strategic Restraint in an Era of Vulnerability As humankind enters a new and more globalized spacefaring era, many hope outer space can become a commons for cooperation. Yet Asian space powers risk a more divisive and destabilizing prospect: an Asian space race. In this exceptional book, Clay Moltz provides the best read available to describe and explain the remarkably dynamic, increasingly crowded, and troublingly competitive field of Asian civil, commercial, and military space activity and presents a range of well-reasoned policy prescriptions for a stronger and more effective regime for space security among Asian powers and their neighbors, especially the United States. -- Bates Gill, director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and coeditor of Governing the Bomb: Civilian Control and Democratic Accountability of Nuclear Weapons Serious followers of space technology and politics will find his analysis invaluably informative. Booklist Offering readers unfamiliar with international space politics an alarming picture of the hidden but turbulent developments in Asia, this book is recommended for serious readers in international relations and policymaking.Library Journal Library Journal Moltz deftly melds technological expertise with history and political analysis. -- Andrew J. Nathan Foreign Affairs ...the book should be on the 'must-read' list of senior and mid-level officer education programs...a highly useful primer on the nexus of space technology and geopolitics. -- Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hanley, U.S. Air Force (retired) Proceedings This articulate, comprehensive book provides illuminating insight into a region on the space-power fast track. -- Col Richard B. Van Hook, USAF Air Force Research Institute Book Reviews Asia's Space Race gives readers a succinct overview of a substantial amount of consequential material, especially trends in space...Moltz's book is a must-read for those who need to quickly get smart on the subject of space. -- Joan Johnson-Freese Nonproliferation Review ...a valuable resource both for readers new to the field of Asian space policy and to those seeking a comparative analysis of individual national programmes. -- Columba Peoples Space Policy His thoughtful examination exposes how economic and political competition among Asian nations has released new 'forces that have made space a very different and more complicated environment than it was during the cold war' -- James Matray H-Diplo ...important analysis, well designed for classroom use and also for general readers. -- Roger D. Launius Quest This book is unique for telling the story of the race from a comparative perspective. SurvivalTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction. Asia's New Presence in Space 1. Asian Space Developments: Motivations and Trends 2. The Japanese Space Program: Moving Toward "Normalcy" 3. The Chinese Space Program: From Turbulent Past to Promising Future 4. The Indian Space Program: Rising to a Challenge 5. The South Korean Space Program: Emerging from Dependency 6. Emerging Asian Space Programs: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Pakistan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam 7. Asia's Space Race: Implications for Regional and Global Policy Notes Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisJames Clay Moltz explores efforts by China, Japan, India, South Korea, and ten other countries to boost their civil, commercial, and, in some cases, military profiles in orbit. He investigates these nations’ divergent goals and their tendency to focus on national solutions rather than on regionwide cooperation and multilateral initiatives.Trade ReviewClay Moltz's masterful survey of rapidly developing Asian space programs sheds new light on the complex economic, military, and political forces driving them. The significance of Asian space efforts extends beyond immediate technical and scientific achievements and foreshadows the future of international cooperation and competition across the Asia-Pacific region. -- Scott Pace, director, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University Asian states are latecomers to space, yet their collective choices will shape the space environment in the twenty-first century. Clay Moltz has written a theoretically informed, comparative book that expertly analyzes the strategic, economic, and domestic factors driving Asian states into space. He highlights the national and regional dynamics that are making space an increasingly 'congested, contested, and competitive environment,' but also identifies common interests and incentives that could support more cooperative outcomes. A must-read for space experts and Asia specialists alike. -- Phillip C. Saunders, National Defense University, coauthor of The Paradox of Power: Sino-American Strategic Restraint in an Era of Vulnerability As humankind enters a new and more globalized spacefaring era, many hope outer space can become a commons for cooperation. Yet Asian space powers risk a more divisive and destabilizing prospect: an Asian space race. In this exceptional book, Clay Moltz provides the best read available to describe and explain the remarkably dynamic, increasingly crowded, and troublingly competitive field of Asian civil, commercial, and military space activity and presents a range of well-reasoned policy prescriptions for a stronger and more effective regime for space security among Asian powers and their neighbors, especially the United States. -- Bates Gill, director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and coeditor of Governing the Bomb: Civilian Control and Democratic Accountability of Nuclear Weapons Serious followers of space technology and politics will find his analysis invaluably informative. Booklist Offering readers unfamiliar with international space politics an alarming picture of the hidden but turbulent developments in Asia, this book is recommended for serious readers in international relations and policymaking.Library Journal Library Journal Moltz deftly melds technological expertise with history and political analysis. -- Andrew J. Nathan Foreign Affairs ...the book should be on the 'must-read' list of senior and mid-level officer education programs...a highly useful primer on the nexus of space technology and geopolitics. -- Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hanley, U.S. Air Force (retired) Proceedings This articulate, comprehensive book provides illuminating insight into a region on the space-power fast track. -- Col Richard B. Van Hook, USAF Air Force Research Institute Book Reviews Asia's Space Race gives readers a succinct overview of a substantial amount of consequential material, especially trends in space...Moltz's book is a must-read for those who need to quickly get smart on the subject of space. -- Joan Johnson-Freese Nonproliferation Review ...a valuable resource both for readers new to the field of Asian space policy and to those seeking a comparative analysis of individual national programmes. -- Columba Peoples Space Policy His thoughtful examination exposes how economic and political competition among Asian nations has released new 'forces that have made space a very different and more complicated environment than it was during the cold war' -- James Matray H-Diplo ...important analysis, well designed for classroom use and also for general readers. -- Roger D. Launius Quest This book is unique for telling the story of the race from a comparative perspective. SurvivalTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroduction. Asia's New Presence in Space1. Asian Space Developments: Motivations and Trends2. The Japanese Space Program: Moving Toward "Normalcy"3. The Chinese Space Program: From Turbulent Past to Promising Future4. The Indian Space Program: Rising to a Challenge5. The South Korean Space Program: Emerging from Dependency6. Emerging Asian Space Programs: Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, North Korea, Pakistan, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam7. Asia's Space Race: Implications for Regional and Global PolicyNotesIndex

Read more less

Book SynopsisA general history of international space relations and an insider perspective on future trends.

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn how to observe and navigate the night sky with this guide to stargazing for beginners!The dazzling reference book shines bright with crystal-clear charts of the planets, stars, and constellations in both the northern and southern hemispheres for each month of the year! It''s perfect for anyone interested in stargazing and astronomy.This unique astronomy book explains and demystifies the changing night sky. It includes:- Illustrated overviews that introduce each month with a guide to the main attractions, such as bright stars, prominent constellations, and meteor showers- An introduction explains what the universe is, our place within it, how it appears to us in the night sky, and how our view of it changes with time and place- Each illustrated overview features a planet locator, showing the position of the planets during the month introduced- Charts that show the positions of all stars visible to the naked eye in even the darke

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"UFOs, Chemtrails, and Aliens is a model of scientific reasoning, rational analysis, and elegant prose that reveals a phenomenon every bit as interesting as the possibility of alien life landing here on Earth or existing somewhere out there in the cosmos-the fact that we can conceive of such a concept, study it scientifically, and understand that we are part of the universe as evolved sentient beings capable of such sublime thought." -Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic magazineTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsPrologue: Consider the Following1. Science and the Paranormal2. The Believing Brain3. Area 51: What is Really Going on in There?4. The Roswell Incident: What Really Happened?5. Close Encounters of the Second Kind: Physical Evidence of Alien Contact6. Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Direct Encounters with Aliens7. Close Encounters of the Fourth Kind: Alien Abduction8. The Mythos of Ancient Aliens 9. Praying to Aliens10. Ancient Myths and Modern Media11. Cloud's Illusions12. Are They Out There?13. Why Do People Believe in UFOs and Aliens?14. The VerdictNotesIndex

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow patterns--from diagrams of spacetime to particle trails revealed by supercolliders--offer clues to the fundamental workings of the physical world.Our universe might appear chaotic, but deep down it's simply a myriad of rules working independently to create patterns of action, force, and consequence. In Ten Patterns That Explain the Universe, Brian Clegg explores the phenomena that make up the very fabric of our world by examining ten essential sequenced systems. From diagrams that show the deep relationships between space and time to the quantum behaviors that rule the way that matter and light interact, Clegg shows how these patterns provide a unique view of the physical world and its fundamental workings.Guiding readers on a tour of our world and the universe beyond, Clegg describes the cosmic microwave background, sometimes called the echo of the big bang, and how it offers clues to the universe's beginnings; the diagrams that illustrate Einstein's reve

Read more less

Book SynopsisA concise illustrated introduction to the history and physics of supernovae, the brilliant explosions of stars; with striking color illustrations. Supernovae are the explosions of stars. They are some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe, rivaling the combined light of billions of stars. Supernovae have been studied for centuries, and they have also made appearances in popular culture: a glimpse of a supernova in a painting provides Sherlock Holmes with a crucial clue, for example. In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, astrophysicist Or Graur offers a concise and accessible introduction to these awe-inspiring astronomical phenomena.  Graur explains that a deep observational understanding of supernovae—why and how they shine and how their brightness changes over time—allows us to use them as tools for experiments in astrophysics and physics. A certain type of supernova, for example, brightens and fade

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of how humankind discovered gravitational waves, chronicled with unparalleled historical and scientific vision.In 2016, the LIGO and Virgo Collaborations made headlines when they announced the detection of gravitational waves—a century after Albert Einstein first predicted their existence with his general theory of relativity. With unprecedented perspective as physicists at the forefront of this discovery, Mario Díaz, Gabriela González, and Jorge Pullin provide a comprehensive and accessible account of the quest to find gravitational waves, their controversial history, and the efforts that culminated with their detection and a Nobel Prize in Physics.The Sounds of the Cosmos vividly narrates contributions from the ancient Greeks through Einstein, in addition to the breakthroughs of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including the discovery of the Hulse-Taylor binary star system (the first of its kind ever

Read more less

Book SynopsisHowever deficient by modern standards was the astronomical knowledge of early astronomers, one never ceases to wonder at the precision of their results, derived from inaccurate observations made with naked eye or with crude instruments. This book describes the technical models whereby astronomers prior to Newton accounted for their observations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA unique, wide-ranging examination of asteroid exploration and our future in spaceTrade Review“A fascinating and at times surprising read, packed with useful information and benefitting from Elvis’s personal accounts throughout. . . . Written in an engaging and entertaining style, readers will find it hard to put down.”—BBC Sky at Night“Elvis gives us a lot of food for thought. It’s not what I expected but a whole lot more and is highly recommended.”—Kevin J Kilburn, Astronomy NowCHOICE Outstanding Academic Title 2022“Martin Elvis gives a fascinating survey of all the reasons why asteroids are interesting. He’s not only an expert, but a fluent and entertaining writer.”—Martin Rees, author of On the Future and Just Six Numbers“A lively and engaging writer, Martin Elvis shows us why it will take much more than drilling equipment and spaceships to mine asteroids—and to do it the right way.”—Frank White, author of The Overview Effect: Space Exploration and Human Evolution“A delightful trip around the solar system’s most dangerous and useful objects, leftovers from the beginning, causes of mass extinctions, and a chance for space trillionaires. Well done!”—John Mather, author of The Very First Light; Nobel Prize laureate (physics), 2006“A lively, comprehensive vision of future knowledge, technologies and wealth creation in our solar system. A great read for lovers of astronomy and astronautics, long-term investors, and venture capitalists with nerves of steel.”—Sir Philip Campbell, editor-in-chief, Springer Nature“Asteroids is a unique and compelling read, exploring the science of asteroids, space travel, and astronomy, and providing a fascinating study of the practical and financial benefits of asteroid research.”—Gregory J. Gbur, author of Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics

Read more less

Book SynopsisWe live in a time of extraordinary discovery and progress in astronomy and astrophysics. The next decade will transform our understanding of the universe and humanity's place in it. Every decade the U.S. agencies that provide primary federal funding for astronomy and astrophysics request a survey to assess the status of, and opportunities for the Nation's efforts to forward our understanding of the cosmos. Pathways to Discovery in Astronomy and Astrophysics for the 2020s identifies the most compelling science goals and presents an ambitious program of ground- and space-based activities for future investment in the next decade and beyond. The decadal survey identifies three important science themes for the next decade aimed at investigating Earth-like extrasolar planets, the most energetic processes in the universe, and the evolution of galaxies. The Astro2020 report also recommends critical near-term actions to support the foundations of the profession as well as the technologies and tools needed to carry out the science. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Pathways to Discovery: From Foundations to Frontiers2 A New Cosmic Perspective3 The Profession and Its Societal Impacts: Gateways to Science, Pathways to Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability4 Optimizing the Science: Foundations5 Evaluating and Balancing the Operational Portfolio6 Technology Foundations and Small- and Medium-Scale Sustaining Programs7 Realizing the Opportunities: Medium- and Large-Scale ProgramsAppendixesAppendix A: Statement of Task, Additional Guidance, and Panel DescriptionsAppendix B: Report of the Panel on Compact Objects and Energetic PhenomenaAppendix C: Report of the Panel on CosmologyAppendix D: Report of the Panel on GalaxiesAppendix E: Report of the Panel on Exoplanets, Astrobiology, and the Solar SystemAppendix F: Report of the Panel on the Interstellar Medium and Star and Planet FormationAppendix G: Report of the Panel on Stars, the Sun, and Stellar PopulationsAppendix H: Report of the Panel on an Enabling Foundation for ResearchAppendix I: Report of the Panel on Electromagnetic Observations from Space 1Appendix J: Report of the Panel on Electromagnetic Observations from Space 2Appendix K: Report of the Panel on Optical and Infrared Observations from the GroundAppendix L: Report of the Panel on Particle Astrophysics and GravitationAppendix M: Report of the Panel on Radio, Millimeter, and Submillimeter Observations from the GroundAppendix N: Report of the Panel on State of the Profession and Societal ImpactsAppendix O: Independent Technical, Risk, and Cost EvaluationAppendix P: Acronyms and AbbreviationsAppendix Q: Committee and Panel Biographical Information

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe next decade of planetary science and astrobiology holds tremendous promise. New research will expand our understanding of our solar system's origins, how planets form and evolve, under what conditions life can survive, and where to find potentially habitable environments in our solar system and beyond. Origins, Worlds, and Life: A Decadal Strategy for Planetary Science and Astrobiology 2023-2032 highlights key science questions, identifies priority missions, and presents a comprehensive research strategy that includes both planetary defense and human exploration. This report also recommends ways to support the profession as well as the technologies and infrastructure needed to carry out the science. Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 Introduction to Planetary Science, Astrobiology, and Planetary Defense2 Tour of the Solar System: A Transformative Decade of Exploration3 Priority Science Questions4 Question 1: Evolution of the Protoplanetary Disk5 Question 2: Accretion in the Ou

Read more less

Book SynopsisResearch in biological and physical sciences in space provides the critical scientific and technological foundations that make space exploration possible. As humanity looks towards the Moon and Mars for future missions, this work is needed to help astronauts adapt and live in the harsh environments of space. Thriving in Space provides a roadmap for increasing national investment in biological and physical science research, from experiments to infrastructure to education. This report identifies key scientific questions, priorities, and ambitious research campaigns that will enable human space exploration and transform our understanding of how the universe works. Thriving in Space reviews the state of knowledge in the current and emerging areas of space-related biological and physical sciences research and generates recommendations for a comprehensive vision and strategy for a decade of transformative science at the frontiers of biological and physical sciences research in space. Thi

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the tradition of illustrated science bestsellers, like Thing Explainer and harkening back to the classic film The Powers of Ten, this unique, fully-illustrated, four-color book explores and visualizes the concept of scale in our universe.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe remarkable true story of America''s first women astronauts''Lifts the curtain on the moment when Neil Armstrong''s one small step for man expanded to encompass the talent, ambition and perseverance of America''s first female astronauts'' MARGOT LEE SHETTERLY, bestselling author of Hidden Figures''Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride with genuine American heroes - six women who proved you don''t need the right plumbing to have the right stuff!'' LYNN SHERR, author of Sally Ride: America''s First Woman in SpaceWhen NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only military test pilots - a group then made up exclusively of men - had the right stuff. It was an era in which women were steered away from jobs in science and deemed too fragile for space flight. Eventually, though, NASA relented and opened the application process to everyone, regardless

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Six was an extraordinary cohort of women recruited by NASA in the seventies. Ride was just one member of the Six. Greeted in Houston by make-up bags designed for use in space, no designated locker rooms and flight suits that didn''t fit, they went on to break barriers on earth and in space. In 1983 Sally Ride became the first American woman to go into space. Anna Fisher was assigned to her first space flight while pregnant. Judy Resnik was killed in the Challenger explosion in 1986. But her legacy - and that of all the Six - lives on. This sparkling history reveals their journey through NASA''s outreach programme, rigorous tests and training, sexism, press attention, and the solidarity with which they overcame obstacles and launched into space.Trade ReviewA vivid account of women's battle for spaceflight equality... Grush paints a compelling picture of the rigours faced by these driven and accomplished women... But The Six also has room for the entertaining trivia of zero-gravity life -- Rachel Aspden * Guardian *Loren Grush's suspenseful, meticulously observed account lifts the curtain on the moment when Neil Armstrong's 'one small step for man' expanded to encompass the talent, ambition, and perseverance of America's first female astronauts. The Six is a well-reported and enlightening read. * Margot Lee Shetterly, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Figures *Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride with genuine American heroes - six women who proved you don't need the right plumbing to have the right stuff! Loren Grush deftly recounts the true grit and deep talent that smashed the celestial glass ceiling. A must-read for explorers on Earth and beyond. * Lynn Sherr, author of Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space *With The Six, Loren Grush has delivered a dazzling look into the lives of the first U.S. women to venture into space. Through its deep reporting and vivid storytelling, the book illuminates the immense obstacles and tragedies these women faced on their way to inspiring the world with their audacious, courageous spirits. This is a story that had to be told, and Grush has told it brilliantly. * Ashlee Vance, author of Elon Musk: Tesla, Space X, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future *In 1978 six accomplished women were selected as NASA's first female astronauts, entering the high-tech, high-testosterone world of human spaceflight at a time of great change in American society. How did these trailblazers survive, adapt, and eventually excel as Space Shuttle crew members? How did their lives change? Loren Grush's The Six tells this triumphant and sometimes tragic story as skillfully and completely as it ever will be told, dramatically showing events through the eyes and ears of the women themselves. * Michael Cassutt, author of The Astronaut Maker *NASA is finally giving women the same opportunities as men-serving with Mission Control, experimenting in laboratories, and flying rockets. But it has taken six decades to reach this moment. In The Six, Loren Grush recreates the crucial turning point when America turned toward spaceflight equality, inviting six brave and brilliant women to become NASA's first female astronauts. This compelling new book blends history, humor, and heroism to bring to life those gutsy space pioneers and their struggles. * Eric Berger, author of Liftoff *Loren Grush has painted compellingly intimate portraits of a group of brave astronauts who changed the face of NASA-and exploration-by opening frontiers on the ground on their way to space. Well-researched and gripping, The Six is an inspiring and, at times, maddening tale that reminds us what the definition of hero is and who gets to carry that mantle. * Christian Davenport, author of The Space Barons *The Six is one of the most important stories to come out of the space age. It's also one of the most poignant and, at times, tragic. One can't help but cheer for these women of destiny as their journey unfolds-an edge-of-the-seat tale that is in good hands with this author. A superb researcher, Loren Grush reveals not only what it was like to be the first American women to fly in space but also what it took to confront an entrenched and powerful bureaucracy fearful of change, * Homer Hickman, author of Rocket Boys *A powerful, gripping, and at times heartbreaking tale of human courage in the face of impossible odds. The Six reminds us of the price that women paid to join men in space-and why these women still matter today. * Keith O'Brien, author of Fly Girls and Paradise Falls *Propulsive, startling, and deeply moving, The Six captures the odyssey of America's first women astronauts, tracking them in delightful detail from the ground to the sky, from earthbound battles against sexism to stunning feats performed in literal orbit. Loren Grush is masterful * Jason Fagone, author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies *Today there is nothing unusual about a woman flying in space, walking in space, or living in space, which makes it difficult to imagine what it was like forty-five years ago for the six women who broke the highest of all glass ceilings to become astronauts. As Loren Grush shows in this illuminating book, they overcame daunting obstacles to make their indelible marks on Earth and in space * Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe remarkable true story of America''s first women astronauts''Lifts the curtain on the moment when Neil Armstrong''s one small step for man expanded to encompass the talent, ambition and perseverance of America''s first female astronauts'' MARGOT LEE SHETTERLY, bestselling author of Hidden Figures''Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride with genuine American heroes - six women who proved you don''t need the right plumbing to have the right stuff!'' LYNN SHERR, author of Sally Ride: America''s First Woman in Space When NASA sent astronauts to the moon in the 1960s and 1970s the agency excluded women from the corps, arguing that only military test pilots - a group then made up exclusively of men - had the right stuff. It was an era in which women were steered away from jobs in science and deemed too fragile for space flight. Eventually, though, NASA relented and opened the application process to everyone, regardlesTrade ReviewA vivid account of women's battle for spaceflight equality... Grush paints a compelling picture of the rigours faced by these driven and accomplished women... But The Six also has room for the entertaining trivia of zero-gravity life -- Rachel Aspden * Guardian *Loren Grush's suspenseful, meticulously observed account lifts the curtain on the moment when Neil Armstrong's 'one small step for man' expanded to encompass the talent, ambition, and perseverance of America's first female astronauts. The Six is a well-reported and enlightening read. * Margot Lee Shetterly, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hidden Figures *Strap yourself in for a thrilling ride with genuine American heroes - six women who proved you don't need the right plumbing to have the right stuff! Loren Grush deftly recounts the true grit and deep talent that smashed the celestial glass ceiling. A must-read for explorers on Earth and beyond. * Lynn Sherr, author of Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space *With The Six, Loren Grush has delivered a dazzling look into the lives of the first U.S. women to venture into space. Through its deep reporting and vivid storytelling, the book illuminates the immense obstacles and tragedies these women faced on their way to inspiring the world with their audacious, courageous spirits. This is a story that had to be told, and Grush has told it brilliantly. * Ashlee Vance, author of Elon Musk: Tesla, Space X, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future *In 1978 six accomplished women were selected as NASA's first female astronauts, entering the high-tech, high-testosterone world of human spaceflight at a time of great change in American society. How did these trailblazers survive, adapt, and eventually excel as Space Shuttle crew members? How did their lives change? Loren Grush's The Six tells this triumphant and sometimes tragic story as skillfully and completely as it ever will be told, dramatically showing events through the eyes and ears of the women themselves. * Michael Cassutt, author of The Astronaut Maker *NASA is finally giving women the same opportunities as men-serving with Mission Control, experimenting in laboratories, and flying rockets. But it has taken six decades to reach this moment. In The Six, Loren Grush recreates the crucial turning point when America turned toward spaceflight equality, inviting six brave and brilliant women to become NASA's first female astronauts. This compelling new book blends history, humor, and heroism to bring to life those gutsy space pioneers and their struggles. * Eric Berger, author of Liftoff *Loren Grush has painted compellingly intimate portraits of a group of brave astronauts who changed the face of NASA-and exploration-by opening frontiers on the ground on their way to space. Well-researched and gripping, The Six is an inspiring and, at times, maddening tale that reminds us what the definition of hero is and who gets to carry that mantle. * Christian Davenport, author of The Space Barons *The Six is one of the most important stories to come out of the space age. It's also one of the most poignant and, at times, tragic. One can't help but cheer for these women of destiny as their journey unfolds-an edge-of-the-seat tale that is in good hands with this author. A superb researcher, Loren Grush reveals not only what it was like to be the first American women to fly in space but also what it took to confront an entrenched and powerful bureaucracy fearful of change, * Homer Hickman, author of Rocket Boys *A powerful, gripping, and at times heartbreaking tale of human courage in the face of impossible odds. The Six reminds us of the price that women paid to join men in space-and why these women still matter today. * Keith O'Brien, author of Fly Girls and Paradise Falls *Propulsive, startling, and deeply moving, The Six captures the odyssey of America's first women astronauts, tracking them in delightful detail from the ground to the sky, from earthbound battles against sexism to stunning feats performed in literal orbit. Loren Grush is masterful * Jason Fagone, author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine Who Outwitted America’s Enemies *Today there is nothing unusual about a woman flying in space, walking in space, or living in space, which makes it difficult to imagine what it was like forty-five years ago for the six women who broke the highest of all glass ceilings to become astronauts. As Loren Grush shows in this illuminating book, they overcame daunting obstacles to make their indelible marks on Earth and in space * Andrew Chaikin, author of A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn the NASA Astronaut mindset to solve problems, provide leadership in the face of adversity and never give up when pursuing your wildest ambitions. Mike Massimino achieved his dream of exploring space. Now he distils stories and insights from NASA into an actionable guide to accomplish your biggest goals. Mike reveals how to make possible the seemingly impossible - on Earth. Written with characteristic wit and a big heart, Mike identifies ten hard-earned lessons of spaceflight and his other life experiences, including:- One in a Million Is Not Zero: The odds are against you. Do it anyway.- The Thirty-Second Rule: You''re going to make mistakes. Learn how to deal with them.- Be Amazed: The universe is an incredible place. Stop what you''re doing and look around.- Know When to Pivot: Change is inevitable. Accept and embrace it.We all have our own personal ''moon shots'' we''d like to take in life, but as misTrade ReviewWonderfully entertaining, deeply personal and filled with heart-pounding stories of life among the stars. Mike Massimino has gathered lessons from his decades as a NASA astronaut that will help all us earthbound mortals find success in whatever journey we are on. Moonshot is exactly the book we all need right now! -- Admiral William H. McRaven, bestselling author of Make Your BedMoonshot by Mike Massimino - indisputably, the coolest astronaut that has ever lived - is a truly out of this world guidebook for life that we all need to read: a delightful, insightful analysis of what it means to achieve, to succeed and to dream really big -- Mayim Bialik Ph.D., New York Times Bestselling Author of Girling Up, actress The Big Bang Theory, host of JeopardyAn exhilarating journey into the profound principles of leadership, the transformative power of teamwork, and the unwavering commitment to integrity that underpin success in the unforgiving environment of space. Moonshot becomes a beacon of inspiration for all, shedding light on what it truly takes to excel amidst the stars -- Scott Kelly, former NASA astronaut and commander of the space shuttle and International Space Station, and New York Times bestselling author of Endurance and Infinite WonderA team needs to commit to a shared goal before any great accomplishment can enter the record books. In Moonshot, Mike Massimino illustrates that through determination, sacrifices, and teamwork, no dream is too bold. Mike's story vividly demonstrates that an embrace of the so-called "little things" is essential to beating the odds and reaching extraordinary heights together. Moonshot reminds us that the obstacles we encounter in pursuit of our dreams can be defeated by the power of our perseverance -- Joe Torre, Baseball Hall of Famer, four-time World Series Championship manager of the New York Yankees, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Yankee Years and Chasing the DreamA poignant reminder that although space exploration depends on hard science, mind-bogglingly complex calculations and cutting edge technology, it is, at heart, a very human enterprise * Mail on Sunday *

Read more less

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

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book examines the rise of great power competition in space, including the relevant and practical space strategies for China, Russia, the United States, and other countries.The work discusses the concepts and writings of past strategists, such as Thucydides, Sun Tzu, and Clausewitz, in relation to warfare initiated in or extending into space. This analysis underscores why polities initiate war based upon an assessment of fear, honor, and interest, and explains why this will also be true of war in space. Based upon the timeless strategic writings of the past, the book uncovers the strategy of space warfare, along with the concepts of deterrence, dissuasion, and the inherent right of self-defense, and outlines strategies for great, medium, and emerging space powers. Additionally, it highlights changes needed to space strategy based upon the Law of Armed Conflict, norms of behavior, and Rules of Engagement. The work also examines advancements and emerging trends in the commercial space sector, as well as what these changes mean for the implementation of a practical space strategy. Given the rise of great power competition in space, this work presents a space strategy based upon historical experience. This book will be of much interest to students of space policy, strategic studies, and International Relations.Table of Contents1. Space as a Warfighting Domain 2. Space Strategy 3. Technology and Space Warfare 4. Space Deterrence and the Law of War 5. Space Strategy for Great Powers 6. Space Strategy for Medium Powers 7. Space Strategy for Emerging Powers 8. Space as a Business Domain 9. Looking Up and Forward

Read more less

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.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe definitive biography of Tsien Hsue-Shen, the pioneer of the American space age who was mysteriously accused of being a communist, deported, and became,to America''s continuing chagrin,the father of the Chinese missile program.Table of Contents* Introduction * Hangzhou (19111914) * Beijing (19141929) * Shanghai (19291934) * Boxer Rebellion Scholar (19341935) * MIT (19351936) * Theodore von Krmn * Caltech (1936) * The Suicide Squad (19371943) * The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (19431945) * Washington and Germany (1945) * Return to MIT (19461947) * Summons from China (1947) * Jiang Ying * Ascent (19471948) * Caltech (1949) * Suspicion (1950) * Arrest (1950) * Investigation (1950) * Hearings (19501951) * Waiting (19511954) * The Wang-Johnson Talks (1955) * One of the Tragedies of This Century * A Heros Welcome (1955) * Missiles of the East Wind * Becoming a Communist * Epilogue

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn its eerie likeness to Earth, Mars has long captured our imaginations—both as a destination for humankind and as a possible home to extraterrestrial life. It is our twenty-first century New World; its explorers robots, shipped 350 million miles from Earth to uncover the distant planet’s secrets.Its most recent scout is Curiosity—a one-ton, Jeep-sized nuclear-powered space laboratory—which is now roving the Martian surface to determine whether the red planet has ever been physically capable of supporting life. In Red Rover, geochemist Roger Wiens, the principal investigator for the ChemCam laser instrument on the rover and veteran of numerous robotic NASA missions, tells the unlikely story of his involvement in sending sophisticated hardware into space, culminating in the Curiosity rover''s amazing journey to Mars.In so doing, Wiens paints the portrait of one of the most exciting scientific stories of our time: the new era of robotic space exploration. Starting with NASA’s introduction of the Discovery Program in 1992, scrappier, more nimble missions became the order of the day, as manned missions were confined to Earth orbit, and behemoth projects went extinct. This strategic shift presented huge scientific opportunities, but tight budgets meant that success depended more than ever on creative engineering and human ingenuity. Beginning with the Genesis mission that launched his career, Wiens describes the competitive, DIY spirit of these robotic enterprises, from conception to construction, from launch to heart-stopping crashes and smooth landings.An inspiring account of the real-life challenges of space exploration, Red Rover vividly narrates what goes into answering the question: is there life elsewhere in the universe? Trade ReviewWashington Post "[Wiens] is a good guide through the process of building a space probe... His inside narration of how things go wrong at NASA is the great strength of this book. It is rich with details of how both the ChemCam team in particular and the Curiosity rover in general overcame engineering challenges such as faulty lenses and awkward temperature distributions." BBC Sky At Night "This engaging new book by Roger Wiens whose team built Curiosity's ChemCam instrument, gives a unique insider's view... Wiens's accessible and conversational writing is a major strength of Red Rover, providing a thoroughly human perspective on a complex technological subject." Booklist "An engaging history of robotic space exploration... A remarkable memoir and testament to the ingenuity of the space program's many scientists who build the tools needed to explore our solar system." Scientific American "Wiens offers a backstage tour of the delights and disappointments of working on missions." Quest: The History of Spaceflight Quarterly "Wiens's writing is clear and engaging... A unique contribution... This book reinforces a vision of outer space as emblematic of technological progress, but also nicely encapsulates the external, messy factors that influence, hinder, and help the development of a robotic explorer." Publishers Weekly "This entertaining insider account of Wiens's work on two groundbreaking robotic space explorers - the Genesis and Curiosity Rover - captures all the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of modern space science... Wiens brings his work to life, candidly addressing the inevitable technological and bureaucratic obstacles and failures that compose the frustrating prelude to scientific victory." Kirkus Reviews "The author provides fascinating insight into the struggle to solve scientific problems despite technical constraints and equipment failures... A winning memoir of great achievement." Steve Squyres, Professor of Astronomy, Cornell University, and author of Roving Mars "We live in a new golden age of exploration, as robotic spacecraft fan out across the solar system, extending the human experience to other planets. With Red Rover, Roger Wiens provides a delightful, candid, and highly personal insider's view of this great endeavor." Jim Bell, Professor of Planetary Science, Arizona State University, President of the Planetary Society, and author of Postcards from Mars "Roger Wiens has crafted a delightful and very personal history of planetary exploration that takes us from his boyhood fascination with the Apollo Moon missions to his leading role as a key scientist on the latest Mars rover. His journey from a small prairie town to the laser labs of Los Alamos reminds us that passion, imagination, and perseverance are what propel us to explore the frontiers of space." John L. Phillips, retired NASA astronaut, and former NASA Chair Professor, U.S. Naval Postgraduate School "Red Rover offers an enticing personal look at the exaltations and disappointments of unmanned space exploration. Roger Wiens vividly portrays the genius and perseverance of the dedicated scientists and engineers who have made robotic exploration of the solar system a reality." Laurie Leshin, Dean, School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute "In Red Rover, Roger Wiens gets you up close and personal with the highs and lows, the triumphs and disappointments that come with pushing the scientific envelope, and the great persistence required to succeed. A great read for anyone interested in exploring the frontiers of space."

Read more less

Book SynopsisPart of a series in junction with NASA which takes communications technology to the farthest reaches of space, this book focuses on an array of technologies and concepts developed to support radio navigation on interplanetary spacecraft.Table of ContentsForeword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Chapter 1. Introduction. Chapter 2. Earth-Based Tracking and Navigation Overview. Chapter 3. Range and Doppler Tracking Observables. Chapter 4. VLBI Tracking Observables. Chapter 5. Future Directions in Radiometric Tracking. Glossary. Acronyms.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFormulation for Observed and Computed Values of Deep Space Network Data Types for Navigation documents the formation of the Regres of the Orbit Determination Program (ODP) of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). Program Regres calculates the computed values of observed quantities (e.g.Table of ContentsForeword. Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. Time Scales and Time Differences. Planetary Ephemeris, Small-Body Ephemeris, and Satellite Ephemerides. Spacecraft Ephemeris and Partials File. Geocentric Space-Fixed Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors of Tracking Station. Space-Fixed Position, Velocity, and Acceleration Vectors of a Landed Spacecraft Relative to Center of Mass of Planet, Planetary System, or the Moon. Algorithms for Computing ET-TAI. Light-Time Solution. Angles. Media and Antenna Corrections. Calculation of Precision Light Times and Quasar Delays. Partial Derivatives of Precision Light Times and Quasar Delays. Observables. References. Acronyms. Index.

Read more less