The Road to Reality
Nobel Prize-winner Roger Penrose, one of the most accomplished scientists of our time, presents the only comprehensive--and comprehensible--account of the physics of the universe. A "guide to physics' big picture, and to the thoughts of one of the world's most original thinkers."--The New York Times From the very first attempts by the Greeks to grapple with the complexities of our known world to the latest application of infinity in physics, The Road to Reality carefully explores the movement of the smallest atomic particles and reaches into the vastness of intergalactic space. Here, Penrose examines the mathematical foundations of the physical universe, exposing the underlying beauty of physics and giving us one the most important works in modern science writing.
Origins
In the last decade, there has been a revolution in observational astronomy, which has meant that we are very close to answering three of the four big 'origin questions', of how the planets, stars, galaxies, and the universe itself were formed. This book, written in an accessible way by a scientist working in this field, describes this revolution. The one question for which we still do not have an answer is the question of the origin of the universe. Within the last four years, astronomers have discovered that the universe is geometrically flat and that its expansion is accelerating, fuelled by a mysterious dark energy. In the final chapter, the author looks at the connection between science and philosophy and shows how new scientific results have laid the groundwork for the first serious scientific studies of the origin of the universe. This book will be easily understood by anyone with an amateur astronomer's level of understanding of the subject - no math needed!
Space Invaders
Manned space programs attract the most media attention, and it is not hard to understand why-the danger, the heroism, the sheer adventure we as earthbound observers can imagine when humans are involved. But robotic missions deserve a respectful and detailed history and analysis of their own, and this book provides it. Focusing on future modern spacecraft, Michel van Pelt explains the exciting life of unmanned space explorers, making the technology, design, development, operation and results of modern space probe missions understandable by lay readers. Instead of describing one specific spacecraft or mission, Michel van Pelt offers a "behind the scenes" look at the life of a space probe: from its first conceptual design to the analysis of the scientific data returned by the spacecraft. While most popular books on space concentrate on manned spaceflight, this book shows that unmanned space exploration is just as exciting. It demonstrates to the reader just what it takes to send a robotic spacecraft to another planet and what fascinating insight and knowledge we have gained from these probes. **Offers an insight into the life of a space probe from concept through design to return and analysis of scientific data. **Explains what it takes to send a robotic space probe to another planet. **Demonstrates that unmanned space exploration can be as exciting as manned exploration. **Provides the reader with a view of how the fascinating images and knowledge are obtained from these probes. **Focuses on modern spacecraft and the future, rather than the history of past projects.
Quantum Mechanics in Hilbert Space
A critical presentation of the basic mathematics of nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, this text is suitable for courses in functional analysis at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. Its readable and self-contained form is accessible even to students without an extensive mathematical background. Applications of basic theorems to quantum mechanics make it of particular interest to mathematicians working in functional analysis and related areas.This text features the rigorous proofs of all the main functional-analytic statements encountered in books on quantum mechanics. It fills the gap between strictly physics- and mathematics-oriented texts on Hilbert space theory as applied to nonrelativistic quantum mechanics. Organized in the form of definitions, theorems, and proofs of theorems, it allows readers to immediately grasp the basic concepts and results. Exercises appear throughout the text, with hints and solutions at the end.
The Cosmic Landscape
In his first book ever, the father of string theory reinvents the world's concept of the known universe and man's unique place within it. Line drawings.Leonard Susskind has been the Felix Bloch Professor in theoretical physics at Stanford University since 1978. The author of The Cosmic Landscape, he is a member of the National Academy of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the recipient of numerous prizes including the science writing prize of the American Institute of Physics for his Scientific American article on black holes. He lives in Palo Alto, California.
Slipstring Drive
Written for amateur physicists, SlipString Drive takes you through the basics of string and M-theories so that you can embark on a "faster than light" voyage without violating physics. By using gravity waves to completely isolate volumes of spacetime from the rest of the universe, author Andrew L. Bender proposes a method of travel-similar to going through a wormhole-that could be possible within fifty years. He also details a unique engine design for producing the gravity waves necessary to travel in such a manner. In SlipString Drive, Bender describes how ships using this method of propulsion would appear to those outside of the ship's partially "gravitationally isolated" region of space while maneuvering at slow speeds. Bender also discusses novel uses for such a vessel, such as saving humanity from comets to supernovae. Bender also offers a "Membrane Theory of Gravity." A modification of M-theory, this new theory unifies all forces, and predicts dark matter and energy. It also theorizes how the acceleration of our universe will change over time, along with other predictions that could prove modified M-theory correct observationally-a feat no other cosmologist has yet achieved. Finally, Bender hypothesizes how the universe will end, and how our descendants could survive that fateful occurrence.
Slipstring Drive
Written for amateur physicists, SlipString Drive takes you through the basics of string and M-theories so that you can embark on a "faster than light" voyage without violating physics. By using gravity waves to completely isolate volumes of spacetime from the rest of the universe, author Andrew L. Bender proposes a method of travel-similar to going through a wormhole-that could be possible within fifty years. He also details a unique engine design for producing the gravity waves necessary to travel in such a manner. In SlipString Drive, Bender describes how ships using this method of propulsion would appear to those outside of the ship's partially "gravitationally isolated" region of space while maneuvering at slow speeds. Bender also discusses novel uses for such a vessel, such as saving humanity from comets to supernovae. Bender also offers a "Membrane Theory of Gravity." A modification of M-theory, this new theory unifies all forces, and predicts dark matter and energy. It also theorizes how the acceleration of our universe will change over time, along with other predictions that could prove modified M-theory correct observationally-a feat no other cosmologist has yet achieved. Finally, Bender hypothesizes how the universe will end, and how our descendants could survive that fateful occurrence.
Linear Operators for Quantum Mechanics
This compact treatment highlights the logic and simplicity of the mathematical structure of quantum mechanics. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, it treats the language of quantum mechanics as expressed in the mathematics of linear operators.Originally oriented toward atomic physics, quantum mechanics became a basic language for solid-state, nuclear, and particle physics. Its grammar consists of the mathematics of linear operators, and with this text, students will find it easier to understand and use the language of physics. Topics include linear spaces and linear functionals; linear operators; diagonalizing operators; operator algebras; states; equations of motion; and representation of space-time transformations. The text concludes with exercises and applications.
What Light Through Yonder Window Breaks?
This sequel to Clouds in a Glass of Beer makes the world of atmospheric physics even more accessible to readers without a scientific background. Abounding in lively writing and fun-filled, easy-to-perform experiments, it offers memorable ways to learn about an intriguing branch of science. 1991 edition.
Contact With Alien Civilizations
This book describes a wide variety of speculations by many authors about the consequences for humanity of coming into contact with extraterrestrial intelligence. The assumptions underlying those speculations are examined, and some conclusions are drawn. The book emphasizes the consequences of contact rather than the search, and takes account of popular views, not just those of scientists. As necessary background, the book also includes brief summaries of the history of thinking about extraterrestrial intelligence, searches for life and for signals, contrasting paradigms of how contact might take place, and the paradox that those paradigms allegedly create. Michael Michaud has been actively engaged in discussions of these issues within the International Academy of Astronautics. He served as Director of the U.S. State Department's Office of Advanced Technology and as Counselor for Science, Technology, and Environment at the American embassies in Paris and Tokyo.
Searching for Water in the Universe
This accessible book offers an imaginative journey through the Universe in search of water, founded on the latest science. The author begins by re-introducing the molecule H2O, its physical and chemical characteristics, its cosmic formation and abundance. The book goes on to describe methods by which the presence of water is detected, within the solar system and beyond. The book explores the presence and absence of water in the bodies of the Solar System: in the giant planets, with their rings and satellites, in comets, asteroids and in the terrestrial planets. The author explains how small differences in temperature cause water to exist in different states on different planets - vapour on Venus, liquid on Earth and solid ice on Mars - leading to divergence in the evolutionary paths of the three planets. The book concludes with a look at the important role played by water in studies of habitable exoplanets.
The First Men on the Moon
This book offers a lively and definitive account of the Apollo 11 mission. It is based on the in-flight transcripts and post-flight debriefing, including conversations among the crew in the spacecraft that were not transmitted. It presents a color section that features the high-resolution scans recently produced by NASA from the original Hasselblad film. The introductory chapters review the motivation to land on the Moon by the end of the 1960s, the development of the Saturn V rocket and the Apollo spacecraft as the means of doing so, the selection of potential landing sites, the precursor missions, and the backgrounds of the three men who were to fly Apollo 11. In contrast to most books about Apollo, which concentrate on how NASA geared up for the program, 75% of this book is devoted to Apollo 11. This comprehensive account dispels the myth that NASA faked the moon landings. The author's expertise and considerable experience of writing about the Moon landings shines through and seamlessly unites the myriad details of the mission.
Thermoelectricity
Aimed at graduate-level students, this survey concentrates on conduction in solids, mainly metals. It supplies a highly readable history of thermoelectricity and includes an impressive amount of experimental data. 1962 edition.
Mathematics for Quantum Mechanics
Advanced undergraduates and graduate students studying quantum mechanics will find this text a valuable guide to mathematical methods. Emphasizing the unity of a variety of different techniques, it is enduringly relevant to many physical systems outside the domain of quantum theory.Concise in its presentation, this text covers eigenvalue problems in classical physics, orthogonal functions and expansions, the Sturm-Liouville theory and linear operators on functions, and linear vector spaces. Appendixes offer useful information on Bessel functions and Legendre functions and spherical harmonics. This introductory text's teachings offer a solid foundation to students beginning a serious study of quantum mechanics.
Applied Nonlinear Optics
Directed toward physicists and engineers interested in the device applications enabled by nonlinear optics, this text is suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Its content is presented entirely on a classical basis and requires only an elementary knowledge of quantum mechanics. 1973 edition.
The Theory of Almost Everything
There are two scientific theories that, taken together, explain the entire universe. The first, which describes the force of gravity, is widely known: Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. But the theory that explains everything else--the Standard Model of Elementary Particles--is virtually unknown among the general public.In The Theory of Almost Everything, Robert Oerter shows how what were once thought to be separate forces of nature were combined into a single theory by some of the most brilliant minds of the twentieth century. Rich with accessible analogies and lucid prose, The Theory of Almost Everything celebrates a heretofore unsung achievement in human knowledge--and reveals the sublime structure that underlies the world as we know it.
Warped Passages
A New York Times Notable Book"An engaging and remarkably clear account of how the existence of dimension beyond the familiar three (or four if you include time) may resolve a host of comic quandaries.--New York Times Book ReviewThe universe has many secrets. It may hide additional dimensions of space other than the familier three we recognize. There might even be another universe adjacent to ours, invisible and unattainable . . . for now.In this brilliantly readable and accessible account, leading theoretical physicist Lisa Randall takes us into the incredible world of warped, hidden dimensions that underpin the universe we live in, describing how we might prove their existence, while examining the questions that they still leave unanswered. Warped Passages provides an exhilarating overview that tracks the arc of discovery from early 20th-century physics to the razor's edge of today's particle physics and string theory, unweaving the current debates about relativity, quantum mechanics, and gravity. Randall demystifies the science and beguilingly unravels the mysteries of the myriad worlds that may exist just beyond the one we are only now beginning to know.
Human Vision And the Night Sky
This book is intended for amateur astronomers who are readers of Sky and Telescope magazine or similar astronomy periodicals - or are at least at the same level of knowledge and enthusiasm. It begins with teaching astronomers to use their most important astronomy tool, their eyes. Then it discusses how to select the right telescope. Subsequent chapters take the readers on a tour of the solar system as they have never viewed it before... through their own eyes. The book brings the challenge and fun back to a hobby that goes stale far too quickly for too many budding amateur astronomers. It takes complex subject matter and makes it easy and entertaining to read. Written by a jet pilot instructor and amateur astronomer each chapter includes a series of observing challenges that will entertain and push the reader to continually higher levels of achievement.
Relativity
An accesible version of Einstein's masterpiece of theory, written by the genius himself According to Einstein himself, this book is intended "to give an exact insight into the theory of Relativity to those readers who, from a general scientific and philosophical point of view, are interested in the theory, but who are not conversant with the mathematical apparatus of theoretical physics." When he wrote the book in 1916, Einstein's name was scarcely known outside the physics institutes. Having just completed his masterpiece, The General Theory of Relativity--which provided a brand-new theory of gravity and promised a new perspective on the cosmos as a whole--he set out at once to share his excitement with as wide a public as possible in this popular and accessible book. Here published for the first time as a Penguin Classic, this edition of Relativity features a new introduction by bestselling science author Nigel Calder. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us
The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us provides a detailed explanation of relativity, particularly its mathematics, designed for the non-professional audience. The subject is developed from basic principles and observations in physics and mathematics, starting with algebra and geometry as taught in thorough high school courses. On the premise that this background suffices to build an appreciation and understanding of the subject, the crucial concepts are spelled out, and the key derivations are disclosed step-by-step. The relativity of time, space, and mass is covered first, giving some attention to the history of the two main divisions of relativity, the special and the general. Once special relativity and its mathematics are established, general relativity is covered, beginning with its relationship to Newton's laws and advancing through its revolutionary concepts as well as its mathematics. This process is carried all the way to the level of tensor equations. The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us treats topics such as: The constant speed of light, the invariant laws of physics, the basis and meaning of the equation E = mc2, the nature of curved four-dimensional space-time, the importance of non-Euclidean geometry, the gravitational bending of light, experimental confirmation of relativity, the philosophical and intellectual appeal of relativity, the nature of black holes, and the cosmologic significance of relativity -- both as concepts and as mathematical issues. As a result the sufficiently attentive reader is set at ease with the reputedly incomprehensible but essential details about relativity. Even subjects such as "tensor calculus" and the "covariant partially differential field equations of general relativity" will be clear. For instance such a reader will know just what a "tensor" is, why the equations are "covariant," why they are "partially differential," why they are "field" equations, why relativity can be "general," and most importantly just what is meant by "relativity." Furthermore, if a reader is shown the fundamental equation of general relativity, Rik - 1/2gikR = -XTik he or she will understand what every term of this equation means, why each is included, what obstacles Einstein and his colleagues overcame to derive each term, what impact this equation has on modern science, and why this equation revolutionized our understanding of our universe. The Mathematics of Relativity for the Rest of Us also devotes a chapter to the relationship between relativity and quantum mechanics. It reveals the limitations of relativity and the direction of future work in this branch of science. The chapter concludes with the role of string theory in reconciling relativity and quantum mechanics.
Physics of Fully Ionized Gases
This classic graduate-level volume was the first general but simple introduction to the fields of plasma and fusion research. Since its original publication in 1956, it has served as a valuable reference. Designed for those who have had an introductory course in theoretical physics but are otherwise unacquainted with the detailed kinetic theory of gases, it chiefly emphasizes macroscopic equations and their consequences.The contents are restricted to topics offering a theoretical understanding of plasma and fusion research. Subjects include the motion of a particle, macroscopic behavior of a plasma, waves in a plasma, equilibria and their stability, and encounters between changed particles. A helpful appendix offers background on the Boltzmann equation.Author Lyman Spitzer, Jr., was the first to propose the idea of placing a large telescope in space, and he was the driving force behind the development of the Hubble Space Telescope. Founder and director of Princeton's Plasma Physics Laboratory, a pioneering program in controlled thermonuclear research, Spitzer taught and inspired a generation of plasma physicists.
Rare Earth
What determines whether complex life will arise on a planet, or even any life at all? What conditions are necessary for the emergence of intelligence? This groundbreaking book is the first to synthesize information from astronomy, biology, and paleontology, to apply what we know about the rise of life on Earth to what could possibly happen elsewhere in the Universe. Everyone who has been thrilled by the recent discoveries of extrasolar planets and the indications of life on Mars and the Jovian moon Europa will be fascinated by RARE EARTH, and its implications for those who look to the heavens for companionship.
The God Particle
"What Stephen Hawking did for cosmology, Leon Lederman does for particle physics" (Dallas Morning News) in The God Particle, a funny and fascinating look at the universe from the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. In this extraordinarily accessible and enormously witty book, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist Leon Lederman guides us on a fascinating tour of the history of particle physics. The book takes us from the Greeks' earliest scientific observations through Einstein and beyond in an inspiring celebration of human curiosity. It ends with the quest for the Higgs boson, nicknamed the God Particle, which scientists hypothesize will help unlock the last secrets of the subatomic universe. The God Particle will leave you marveling at our continuing pursuit of the infinitesimal.
Noise And Fluctuations
An understanding of fluctuations and their role is both useful and fundamental to the study of physics. This concise study of random processes offers graduate students and research physicists a survey that encompasses both the relationship of Brownian Movement with statistical mechanics and the problem of irreversible processes. It outlines the basics of the physics involved, without the strictures of mathematical rigor.The three-part treatment starts with a general survey of Brownian Movement, including electrical Brownian Movement and "shot-noise," Part two explores correlation, frequency spectrum, and distribution function, with particular focus on application to Brownian Movement. The final section examines noise in electric currents, including noise in vacuum tubes and a random rectangular current. Frequent footnotes amplify the text, along with an extensive selection of Appendixes.
Nonlinear Mechanics
In their prior Dover book, Theoretical Mechanics of Particles and Continua, Alexander L. Fetter and John Dirk Walecka provided a lucid and self-contained account of classical mechanics, together with appropriate mathematical methods. This supplement -- an update of that volume -- offers a bridge to contemporary mechanics.The original book's focus on continuum mechanics -- with chapters on sound waves in fluids, surface waves on fluids, heat conduction, and viscous fluids -- forms the basis for this supplement's discussion of nonlinear continuous systems. Topics include linearized stability analysis; a detailed examination of the Rayleigh-B矇nard problem, from its formulation to issues of linearized theory of convective instability and expansion in Fourier modes; and the direct derivation of Lorenz equations for simple physical configuration. The first half of the original text deals with particle mechanics, and this supplement returns to the study of systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. A concluding section presents a series of problems that reinforce the supplement's teachings.
Hubble
As an observatory in space, the Hubble Space Telescope is one of the most successful scientific projects of all time, both in terms of scientific output and its immediate public appeal. The only Hubble Heritage picture book endorsed by NASA and ESA, this lush 15th Anniversary volume enables the reader to peer deeply into the wonders of the Universe in full color with unprecedented clarity and resolution. The photos are unmatched in competing titles, because the images have been prepared straight from the data by scientists to reach the highest possible quality.
The Age of Oil
Oil is the most vital resource of our time. Because it is so important, misperceptions about the black gold abound. Leonardo Maugeri clears the cobwebs by describing the colorful history of oil, and explaining the fundamentals of oil production. He delivers a unique, fascinating, and controversial perspective on the industry--as only an insider could. The history of the oil market has been marked, since its inception, by a succession of booms and busts, each one leading to a similar psychological climax and flawed political decisions. In a single generation, we've experienced the energy crisis of 1973; the dramatic oil countershock of 1986; the oil collapse of 1998-99 that gave rise to the idea of oil as just another commodity; and the sharp price increases following hurricane Katrina's devastation in the Gulf of Mexico. Today, we are experiencing a global oil boom that, paradoxically, seems to herald a gloomy era of scarcity exacerbated by growing consumption and the threat from Islamic terrorism in the oil-rich Middle East. Maugeri argues that the pessimists are wrong. In the second part of his book, he debunks the main myths surrounding oil in our times, addressing whether we are indeed running out of oil, and the real impact of Islamic radicalism on oil-rich regions. By translating many of the technical concepts of oil productions into terms the average reader can easily grasp, Maugeri answers our questions. Ultimately, he concludes that the wolf is not at the door. We are facing neither a problem of oil scarcity, nor an upcoming oil blackmail by forces hostile to the West. Only bad political decisions driven by a distorted view of current problems (and who is to blame for them) can doom us to a gloomy oil future.
Physics of Electric Propulsion
Geared toward advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this text systematically develops the concepts of electrical acceleration of gases for propulsion. Author Robert G. Jahn, Professor of Aerospace Sciences at Princeton University, starts his presentation with primary physical principles and concludes with realistic space thruster designs.Part I consists of a survey of those aspects of electricity, magnetism, and ionized gas mechanics that underlie the physical mechanisms for gas acceleration. These topics constitute the main body of the text. Part II's broad division into the categories of electrothermal, electrostatic, and electromagnetic acceleration mechanisms conforms to the historical development of the field and offers conceptual organization for new students.
Gravity's Arc
"A beautifully written exposition of the still mysterious force that holds our universe together--and the even more mysterious dark twin that may blow it apart."--Joshua Gilder, coauthor of Heavenly Intrigue "A lucid book as up-to-date as the effect of gravity on the bones of astronauts."--Denis Brian, author of The Unexpected Einstein How did they do it? How did one of the greatest geniuses who ever lived stunt the study of gravity for 2,000 years? How did a gluttonous tyrant with a gold nose revolutionize our view of the solar system? How could an eccentric professor shake the foundations of an entire belief system by dropping two objects from a tower? How did a falling apple turn the thoughts of a reclusive genius toward the moon? And how could a simple patent clerk change our entire view of the universe by imagining himself riding on a beam of light? In Gravity's Arc, you'll discover how some of the most colorful, eccentric, and brilliant people in history first locked, then unlocked the door to understanding one of nature's most essential forces. You'll find out why Aristotle's misguided conclusions about gravity became an unassailable part of Christian dogma, how Galileo slowed down time to determine how fast objects fall, and why Isaac Newton erased every mention of one man's name from his magnum opus Principia. You'll also figure out what Einstein meant when he insisted that space is curved, whether there is really such a thing as antigravity, and why some scientists think that the best way to get to outer space is by taking an elevator.
Fundamentals of Quantum Optics
This graduate-level text employs a formal, classical viewpoint to survey the fundamentals of quantum optics. Its coverage includes the quantum theory of partial coherence and the nature of the relations between classical and quantum theories of coherence. Students and professional physicists interested in intensity interferometry, photon counting correlations, and lasers will find this volume extremely helpful.Topics include partially coherent light, photoelectric counting distributions, dynamical determination of statistical description, and equations of motion and coherent-state representation of the electromagnetic field. Additional subjects encompass quantum theory of optical correlation phenomena, special state of radiation fields, and intensity interferometry in quantum optics. The text offers particularly complete treatments of properties of the coherent states and of the "diagonal" representations for statistical states. These methods are applied to studies of coherence, coincident counting rates, and counting distributions for a number of physically significant states, including thermal and laser-like fields.
Random Vibrations
The most comprehensive text and reference available on the study of random vibrations, this book was designed for graduate students and for mechanical, structural, and aerospace engineers. Random Vibrations: Theory and Practice encompasses all the key topics, including fundamental background material, random vibration development with applications to design, and random signal analysis. The broad scope of this text makes it useful both as a clear and thorough introduction to the field and as an authoritative reference for practitioners who wish to investigate special topics.In addition to coverage of background topics in probability, statistics, and random processes, this text develops methods for analyzing and controlling random vibrations. It explains how to avoid fatigue and fracture brought on by random vibration stresses and describes how to analyze random signals obtained for field and test measurements. Detailed examples employ random signals taken from actual random sources, and an abundance of figures, tables and charts support and clarify the text.
Roving Mars
Steve Squyres is the face and voice of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover mission. Squyres dreamed up the mission in 1987, saw it through from conception in 1995 to a successful landing in 2004, and serves as the principal scientist of its $400 million payload. He has gained a rare inside look at what it took for rovers Spirit and Opportunity to land on the red planet in January 2004--and knows firsthand their findings.
The Dawn of Astronomy
A pioneer in the fields of astrophysics and astro-archeology, J. Norman Lockyer believed that ancient Egyptian monuments were constructed "in strict relation to the stars." In this celebrated study, he explores the relationship between astronomy and architecture in the age of the pharaohs.Lockyer addresses one of the many points already extensively investigated by Egyptologists: the chronology of the kings of Egypt. All experts are in accord regarding the identity of the first monarch, but they cannot agree upon the dates of his reign within a thousand years. The author contends that by applying a knowledge of astronomy to the actual site orientation of the region's pyramids and temples, accurate dating can be achieved. In order to accomplish this, Lockyer had to determine the level of the ancient Egyptian ideas of astronomy. Some of his inferences have been invalidated by subsequent scholarship, but many of his other conclusions stand firm and continue to provide sensational leads into contemporary understanding of archaic astronomy.
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
"I'm an explorer, OK? I like to find out!" -- One of the towering figures of twentieth-century science, Richard Feynman possessed a curiosity that was the stuff of legend. Even before he won the Nobel Prize in 1965, his unorthodox and spellbinding lectures on physics secured his reputation amongst students and seekers around the world. It was his outsized love for life, however, that earned him the status of an American cultural icon-here was an extraordinary intellect devoted to the proposition that the thrill of discovery was matched only by the joy of communicating it to others. In this career-spanning collection of letters, many published here for the first time, we are able to see this side of Feynman like never before. Beginning with a short note home in his first days as a graduate student, and ending with a letter to a stranger seeking his advice decades later, Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track covers a dazzling array of topics and themes, scientific developments and personal histories. With missives to and from scientific luminaries, as well as letters to and from fans, family, students, crackpots, as well as everyday people eager for Feynman's wisdom and counsel, the result is a wonderful de facto guide to life, and eloquent testimony to the human quest for knowledge at all levels. Feynman once mused that "people are entertained' enormously by being allowed to understand a little bit of something they never understood before." As edited and annotated by his daughter, Michelle, these letters not only allow us to better grasp the how and why of Feynman's enduring appeal, but also to see the virtues of an inquiring eye in spectacular fashion. Whether discussing the Manhattan Project or developments in quantum physics, the Challenger investigation or grade-school textbooks, the love of his wife or the best way to approach a problem, his dedication to clarity, grace, humor, and optimism is everywhere evident..
Elementary Nuclear Theory
This compact treatment of the basic theory of nuclear forces, structures, and reactions bases its explanations almost entirely on the familiar results of nonrelativistic quantum theory. Suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, it presents careful and concise discussions of experimental ideas.The three-part treatment begins with the descriptive theory of nuclei, covering basic facts, including size, spins and statistics, and beta-disintegration and the neutrino. The second part explores quantitative theory of nuclear forces, covering physical properties of protons, neutrons, and deuterons; scattering; and effects of molecular binding and of non-central forces. The final section examines complex nuclei and beta-decay, including nuclear reactions, scattering, and beta-disintegration.
Columbia-Final Voyage
Aerospace writer Philip Chien, who has over 20 years' experience covering the US space program, provides a unique insight into the crew members who lost their lives in the Columbia disaster. He reviews in detail their scientific work and other activities during their successful 16-day flight, the background of the accident itself and a detailed first-hand account of what happened that fateful day in February 2003. The author provides a comprehensive and personal look at both the Columbia astronauts and the STS-107 mission, together with a behind-the-scenes account of other people involved in the mission and their personal reactions to the accident. Chien interviewed all seven crew members several times and got to know them as individuals.
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum field theory remains among the most important tools in defining and explaining the microscopic world. Recent years have witnessed a blossoming of developments and applications that extend far beyond the theory's original scope. This comprehensive text offers a balanced treatment, providing students with both a formal presentation and numerous practical examples of calculations.This two-part approach begins with the standard quantization of electrodynamics, culminating in the perturbative renormalization. The second part comprises functional methods, relativistic bound states, broken symmetries, nonabelian gauge fields, and asymptotic behavior. Appropriate for students and researchers in field theory, particle physics, and related areas, this treatment presupposes a background in quantum mechanics, electrodynamics, and relativity, and it assumes some familiarity with classical calculus, including group theory and complex analysis.
Parallel Worlds
The national bestselling author of The God Equation takes us on a thrilling journey to explore black holes and time machines, multidimensional space and the possibility that parallel universes may lay alongside our own."A wonderful tour, with an expert guide." --Brian Greene, New York Times bestselling author of The Elegant Universe Kaku skillfully guides us through the latest innovations in string theory and its latest iteration, M-theory, which posits that our universe may be just one in an endless multiverse, a singular bubble floating in a sea of infinite bubble universes. If M-theory is proven correct, we may perhaps finally find answer to the question, "What happened before the big bang?" This is an exciting and unforgettable introduction into the new cutting-edge theories of physics and cosmology from one of the pre-eminent voices in the field.
Water And the Search for Life on Mars
Mars was thought to have been cold, dead and dry for eons, but striking new evidence suggests the planet was relatively warm and wet in geologically recent times, and that even today there are reserves of water frozen beneath the planet's surface. This highly absorbing book relates how NASA and ESA have sought evidence of life on Mars. The author provides a comprehensive account of the recent Spirit and Opportunity Mars Exploration Rover missions, and describes the planning for the tests carried out by the Viking missions in 1976, with an account of the debate over their results.
Dimensional Analysis
Derived from a course in fluid mechanics, this text for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students employs symmetry arguments to demonstrate the principles of dimensional analysis. The examples provided illustrate the effectiveness of symmetry arguments in obtaining the mathematical form of the functions yielded by dimensional analysis. Students will find these methods applicable to a wide field of interests.After discussing several examples of method, the text examines pipe flow, material properties, gasdynamical examples, body in nonuniform flow, and turbulent flow. Additional topics include waves on a free liquid surface, examples with other fluid properties, and ideal gas equations of state. Figures appear throughout the text, which concludes with a bibliography.
Quantum Mechanics in Simple Matrix Form
This elementary text introduces basic quantum mechanics to undergraduates with no background in mathematics beyond algebra. Containing more than 100 problems, it provides an easy way to learn part of the quantum language and apply it to problems.Emphasizing the matrices representing physical quantities, it describes states simply by mean values of physical quantities or by probabilities for possible values. This approach requires using the algebra of matrices and complex numbers together with probabilities and mean values, a technique introduced at the outset and used repeatedly. Students discover the essential simplicity of quantum mechanics by focusing on basics and working only with key elements of the mathematical structure--an original point of view that offers a refreshing alternative for students new to quantum mechanics.
Worlds on Fire
Anyone who has ever thought that volcanoes and volcanism were restricted to the planet Earth should open any page of this book to discover that some of the most spectacular explosions in the Solar System are not occurring close to home. Charles Frankel provides a detailed tour that describes such volcanic landmarks as the Moon's Aristarchus plateau, Mars' tallest volcano Olympus Mons, the double-cratered Sapas Mons on Venus, and the churning lava lake of Io's Pele caldera. Illustrated with the most recent imagery from spacecraft, his volume introduces the reader to the wonders and excitement of space exploration. Charles Frankel has written on various topics in the earth sciences, including the following two of his many books: Volcanoes of the Solar System (Cambridge, 1996) and The End of Dinosaurs (Cambridge, 1999).
Digital Astrophotography
CCDs (charge-coupled devices) have revolutionized optical astronomy during the past 20 years, first for professionals and now for amateurs. Specialized astronomical CCD cameras provide more than ten times the sensitivity of the fastest photographic film, and delivers digital images that are readily computer enhanced to improve resolution and cut through 'light pollution'. Digital Astrophotography: The State of the Art contains techniques, advice, hints, tips and spectacular color images from world experts in CCD astronomy from North America and Europe. Their insights are illustrated with many beautiful color images - in fact, the book features full colour throughout. Techniques range from using simple webcams to highly technical aspects such as supernovae patrolling, computer processing, stacking, and image-enhancement. Simply stated, this is required reading for all serious amateur astronomers who spend time photographing the night sky and want to do so with the latest accessible equipment.
Binocular Stargazing
A guide to viewing stars, the moon, planets, meteors, comets, and aurora through binocularsFeatures a foreword by renowned astronomer and writer David LevyIncludes a complete guide to current binocular brands and models and explains what to look for in each seasonMany people assume that amateur stargazers must invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars in equipment before they can enjoy the wonders of the night sky. The truth is, though, that all you need is a simple pair of binoculars. This handy, easy-to-follow guide explains how to observe everything from the moon to meteor showers with binoculars and provides safety tips for viewing eclipses. It also includes separate sections for winter, spring, summer, and fall that give advice on what to look for and how to optimize your viewing. Ideal for budding astronomers of all ages, Binocular Stargazing is the perfect way to see the night sky through new eyes.
The Moon And How To Observe It
This revolutionary new book is written for practical amateur astronomers who not only want to observe, but want to know the details of exactly what they are looking at. The Moon is usually first astronomical object to be observed by amateur astronomers and this is the first book to deal equally with the Moon itself - its formation, geology, and history - as well as the practical aspects of observation. The concept of the book - and of all the Astronomers' Observing Guides - is to present an up-to-date detailed description of the Moon's origin, history and geology (part one); and then (part two) to consider how best to observe and record it with commercially-available telescopes. The Moon and How to Observe it is a mine of information for all levels of amateur observers, from the beginner to the experienced
Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire
Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire," along with other papers in this volume, laid the foundation of modern thermodynamics. Highly readable, "Reflections" contains no arguments that depend on calculus, consisting mostly of statements couched in exact language. It represents a tribute to Carnot's capacity to generalize, and to see fundamental processes at work in complex mechanisms."Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire" examines the relation between heat and the work done by heat in high- and low-pressure steam engines, air-engines, and an internal combustion machine. Carnot established conditions for the economical working of these engines and invented the closed cycle of operations. He realized that in any engine, the amount of work done by heat is determined solely by the range of temperature through which it fell in the operation. He extended the ideas of his father, Lazare Carnot, on mechanics to thermal processes, deriving statements on the impossibility of perpetual motion and the need to avoid irreversible changes.Little notice was paid to this book upon its 1824 publication; ten years later, Emile Clapeyron's more analytical paper on the same subject received wider attention. This English translation includes selections from Carnot's posthumous manuscripts and a paper by Rudolf Clausius that rewrote Carnot's results in a terminology that distinguished between change of entropy and quantity of heat.
