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Adler , Charles L.

Wizards, Aliens, and Starships : Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction , by Charles L. Adler

Princeton NJ , Princeton University Press -- 2014

978-1-400-84836-2

978-1-4008-4836-2

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher s Web site, viewed July 31 2015)

La pagination de l'édition imprimée correspondante est de : 392 p.

Whether as a text for a course or as a vehicle for self-study, this book makes for interesting, educational and thought-provoking reading.--Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews"[A] rewarding and thought-provoking read."--Paul Sutherland, BBC Sky at Night"This book will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy."--Lunar and Planetary Information Bulletin"Adler does a grand job of showing just how powerful even basic maths and physics can be. If you're a budding back-of-the-envelope boffin not afraid of a bit of algebra, you'll love this book."--Robert Matthews, BBC Focus Magazine"Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction is a fascinating book. As I started to read it, what immediately caught my attention was the passion and excitement that author Charles Adler instills in the text. I couldn't put it down."--Edward Belbruno, Physics Today"There is much . . . in this book to interest readers interested in astronomy and astronautics and I think it will be likely to appeal to physics students."--John Harney, Magonia"To only call Wizards, Aliens, and Starships engaging would be a real understatement--it is a delightful, funny, and immensely interesting romp through science and fiction. From candlepower to teleportation, all the way to the fate of the cosmos in the span of a googol years, this is a cornucopia of teachable material. It is also a reminder of the simple thrill of applying science to the world around us, real or imagined. A new classic."--Caleb Scharf, author of Gravity's Engines and The Copernicus Complex"This terrific book analyzes the romantic ideas of science fiction using the hard-nosed reality of the laws of physics. It will interest all readers, from Star Trek enthusiasts to astrophysicists."--Paul Nah

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&#8217s flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might actually happen, and which ones wouldn&#8217t 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&#8217t 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

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(Accès réservé aux étudiants de l'ENSEA) http://univ.scholarvox.com.ez-proxy.ensea.fr/book/88838037

Physics; Mathematics

Science-fiction

Littérature fantastique

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