Wizards, Aliens, and Starships Wizards, Aliens, and Starships

Wizards, Aliens, and Starships

Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction

    • $20.99
    • $20.99

Publisher Description

Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasy—from the probable to the impossible

From teleportation and space elevators to alien contact and interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant and innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideas--for instance, could Mr. Weasley's flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might actually happen, and which ones wouldn’t work at all? Wizards, Aliens, and Starships delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasy--such as time warps, shape changing, rocket launches, and illumination by floating candle--and shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena.

With simple mathematical models, and in most cases using no more than high school algebra, Charles Adler ranges across a plethora of remarkable imaginings, from the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, to explore what might become reality. Adler explains why fantasy in the Harry Potter and Dresden Files novels cannot adhere strictly to scientific laws, and when magic might make scientific sense in the muggle world. He examines space travel and wonders why it isn’t cheaper and more common today. Adler also discusses exoplanets and how the search for alien life has shifted from radio communications to space-based telescopes. He concludes by investigating the future survival of humanity and other intelligent races. Throughout, he cites an abundance of science fiction and fantasy authors, and includes concise descriptions of stories as well as an appendix on Newton's laws of motion.

Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy.

GENRE
Science & Nature
RELEASED
2014
February 2
LANGUAGE
EN
English
LENGTH
392
Pages
PUBLISHER
Princeton University Press
SELLER
Princeton University Press
SIZE
12.9
MB

More Books Like This

To Infinity and Beyond To Infinity and Beyond
2023
Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand Infinity in the Palm of Your Hand
2019
Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries Death by Black Hole: And Other Cosmic Quandaries
2007
Calculating the Cosmos Calculating the Cosmos
2016
Welcome to the Universe Welcome to the Universe
2016
Forces of Nature Forces of Nature
2016