http://www.freebookspot.in Latest books added today en-us http://www.freebookspot.in/logorss.jpg http://www.freebookspot.in 160 43 http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=47592 From Booklist In this wonderful encyclopedia designed for middle- and high-school students, 341 entries explore the wonders of space. Each volume has a theme. Space Business (volume 1) covers topics such as Communications satellite industry, Law of space, and Space tourism. Planetary Science and Astronomy (volume 2) covers the more scientific aspects, including planetary explorations. Humans in Space (volume 3) treats manned missions and various astronauts, and Our Future in Space has entries for topics such as Asteroid mining, Mars bases, and Military uses of space. The entries in each volume are in alphabetical order and range from a single paragraph to several pages in length, with most being one or two pages long. The front and back matter are the same in each volume and include a few pages of reference tables such as conversion charts, time lines of milestones in space history and human achievements in space, a list of contributors, a table of contents for the set, and a glossary. Volume 1 has a unique time line of "Major Business Milestones in U.S. History." The index in the first three volumes is specific to the volume only, and there is a cumulative index in volume 4. Numerous sidebars provide additional information throughout the set. Words that appear in bold type in the entry are defined in the page margins and also in the glossary. The color illustrations and photographs are beautifully reproduced and appear on almost every two-page spread. Additionally, Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=47190 In recent years cosmologists have advanced from largely qualitative models of the Universe to precision modelling using Bayesian methods, in order to determine the properties of the Universe to high accuracy. This timely book is the only comprehensive introduction to the use of Bayesian methods in cosmological studies, and is an essential reference for graduate students and researchers in cosmology, astrophysics and applied statistics. The first part of the book focuses on methodology, setting the basic foundations and giving a detailed description of techniques. It covers topics including the estimation of parameters, Bayesian model comparison, and separation of signals. The second part explores a diverse range of applications, from the detection of astronomical sources (including through gravitational waves), to cosmic microwave background analysis and the quantification and classification of galaxy properties. Contributions from 24 highly regarded cosmologists and statisticians make this an authoritative guide to the subject Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=46372 In the 19th century when asteroids were first discovered, the continuum of sizes in the solar system was not understood, because many people thought of the solar system as a Sun orbited by nine planets. However, as observers' abilities to see smaller and smaller bodies in the solar system improves because of better instrumentation, and as scientists continue trying to catalog the number of large asteroidal bodies that someday might collide with the Earth, the solar system is viewed as a collection of objects with a whole continuum of sizes. The Sun is orbited by material that ranges in size from grains of interplanetary dust to the giant Jupiter, and the planets are in turn orbited by moons. In a single, informative reference, "Asteroids, Meteorites, and Comets" discusses the solar system bodies that are not one of the nine planets or their moons. This massive collection of smaller bodies orbiting the Sun includes asteroids in the main asteroid belt as well as throughout the rest of the solar system, comets from both the Kuiper belt and from the much more distant Oort cloud, and the interplanetary dust left in their wakes. This volume describes the discoveries of various asteroids, along with the long centuries of argument over the nature of meteorites and impact craters. The orbits, sizes, and compositions of asteroids are also discussed, along with the correlations scientists have made between meteorite classes and asteroids. Perfect for those interested in understanding th Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=46323 This new seven-volume "Discovering the Earth" set examines the efforts made by scientists in the fields of environment, environmental protection, and environmental science. Covering a broad range of topics - including the Earth sciences, atmosphere, oceans, ecology, animals, plants, and exploration - the books in this comprehensive set provide a panorama of brief accounts of particular discoveries and the people who made them. These stories explain the problems that were solved, the ways they were approached, and, in some cases, the dead ends that scientists sometimes reached. Ideal for high school and college students and particularly valuable to students of environmental studies, ecology, biology, geography, geology, and the humanities, the books in the "Discovering the Earth" set shed light on the way the scientific aspect of Western culture has developed. Written in clear language and requiring no mathematical knowledge, these helpful books feature sidebars where necessary to explain a particular concept as well as full-color photographs, tables, charts, and further resources. This new, full-color book begins with a narration of the earliest seagoing ships and the vehicles that transported diplomats, warriors, and merchants around the Mediterranean region and later around the world. It explores the Vikings who terrorized Western Europe and colonized Greenland as well as the swift outrigger vessels that sailed from Asia to the islands of the Pacific. This accessible res Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=46229 1,001 Celestial Wonders is a guide to the night sky's brightest and most fascinating objects. Each target is accessible to amateur astronomers using medium-sized telescopes from a dark site. In fact, many are so bright they remain visible under moderate light pollution , as from the outskirts of a city or the suburbs of a town. The book provides a chronological target list, making it easy to use. No matter what night you choose, this book will show you many of the most memorable objects to observe, whether you are using a small telescope or even binoculars, or an instrument of larger aperture. This is far more than just a list of interesting objects. It is structured so that objects of various observing difficulty are included, which will help readers become better observers, both encouraging beginners and challenging long-time amateur astronomers. This book is designed to be easy-to-use at the telescope, and observers will appreciate each object's standardized layout and the book's chronological organization. Finally, many amateur astronomers function best when presented with a list! Even the Meade Autostar® controller features a 'best tonight' list (although the list is far less comprehensive and detailed than the catalog provided in this book), a feature that has proved extremely popular. 1,001 Celestial Wonders offers a life-list of objects any observer would be proud to complete. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45811 For the experienced amateur astronomer who is wondering if there is something useful, valuable, and permanent that can be done with his or her observational skills, the answer is, "Yes, you can!" This is the book for the experienced amateur astronomer who is ready to take a new step in his or her astronomical journey. Unfortunately, there is no modern text that points curious amateur astronomers to the research possibilities that are open to them. At the 2006 meeting of the Society for Astronomical Sciences, quite a few participants agreed that the lack of such a text was a serious gap in the astronomical book market, and that this gap is impeding their efforts to encourage more amateur astronomers to get involved in research collaborations. This book will fill that gap, and enable more amateur astronomers to add research-type studies to their pursuit of the hobby. Written by an astronomer who is well known amongst the amateur and professional community for the skill and quality of his work, this book describes a wide range of research areas where amateurs are gathering new scientific data that is utilized by professional astronomers. For each research area, the book provides a concise explanation of the purpose and value of the amateurs’ observations, a description of the equipment that is needed, specific observing procedures, complete data reduction instructions, and an explanation of how, and where, to submit results so that they will be available to the professional u Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45810 Many lights and other objects in the sky go unrecognised, or at least are little understood by those observing them. Such things range from the commonplace like rainbows and meteors, to the distinctly unusual like the green flash and ball lightning. And there is still a residuum of objects that remain unidentified by the watcher – classed generally as ‘UFOs’, a description which today has connotations of the mysterious, even of extraterrestrial visitors. The first part of this book is an identification guide, very much like the "plant identifier" sections found in a good gardening or botany book. It allows quick (and structured) identification of known aerial phenomena, whether at night or during the day. The objects thus found are referenced to the second part of the book. The second part gives a full description, physical explanation, and where relevant notes on observing and photographing the various phenomena. Some will need optical aids such as binoculars or telescopes, but the main thrust of the book is identification and explanation rather than imaging. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45808 Since the very beginning of astronomy, people have looked up sky and constructed patterns the constellations out of the almost random scattering of stars in the night sky. The fact that the constellations are still used to day reflects not their historical origins, but their usefulness in identifying bright stars in the rotating dome of the sky. Most people (and all astronomers) are familiar with, for example, the constellation of Orion and can thus easily point to Betelguese and Bellatrix as being Orions "shoulders". It is the pattern made by the constellation that makes them easy to identify. What applies to big groups of stars can also be applied to smaller ones, and this book provides a set of memorable mini-constellations to help in identifying and remembering stars in the binocular or low magnification telescopic field. Suitable for observers using binoculars and medium size telescopes, this catalog includes star pictures, dot-to-dot outlines of the objects ( on a negative photograph for clarity ), and an artistic image next to the star patterns. Size, stellar magnitudes, and coordinates are provided, along with north direction, star-hopping instructions and Sky Atlas 2000 references. There are sixty-seven "pattern asterisms" in this catalog. Most are easy to see in sixty millimetre binoculars, and few are what observers describe as "challenging". The imaginative observer will surely begin to develop a new insight into star patterns, and will start seeing patterns of his Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45789 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. In particular, those of us who have reached a point where enjoyment is fading because the challenges have run out will appreciate it, because it takes such people to the "next level" in observational astronomy. It begins with teaching astronomers to use their most important astronomy tool, their eyes. Then it discusses how to select the right telescope – taking into account that everyone is unique – and shows readers how to set up and care for their instruments. Subsequent chapters take the readers on a tour of the solar system as they have never viewed it before… through their own eyes. We start close to home with the hidden treasures of the Moon, on to investigate the power of the Sun, incredibly hot Mercury, the subtleties of Venus, the changing surface of Mars, the outer solar system and then on into deep space. Each chapter includes a series of observing challenges that will entertain and push the reader to continually higher levels of achievement. Amateur astronomers will learn, through this book, many of the same lessons that professionals learned as they conducted similar observations. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45787 Amateur astronomy has changed beyond recognition in less than two decades. The reason is, of course, technology. Affordable high-quality telescopes, computer-controlled 'go to' mountings, autoguiders, CCD cameras, video, and (as always) computers and the Internet, are just a few of the advances that have revolutionized astronomy for the twenty-first century. Martin Mobberley first looks at the basics before going into an in-depth study of whats available commercially. He then moves on to the revolutionary possibilities that are open to amateurs, from imaging, through spectroscopy and photometry, to patrolling for near-earth objects - the search for comets and asteroids that may come close to, or even hit, the earth. The New Amateur Astronomer is a road map of the new astronomy, equally suitable for newcomers who want an introduction, or old hands who need to keep abreast of innovations. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45786 Amateur astronomers – particularly deep-sky observers – are always on the lookout for new observing challenges. The Herschel Objects, and How to Observe Them offers the exciting opportunity of retracing the steps of the greatest visual observer and celestial explorer that ever lived. This is a practical guide to seeing the most impressive of Herschel’s star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. There has never been – and as of the time of submitting this proposal there still isn’t – an observer’s book devoted to the Herschel objects. The US-based Astronomical League has for several years sponsored a "Herschel Club", reflecting the interest amateur astronomers have in this important but less widely known listing. The Herschel Objects, and How to Observe Them covers more than 600 of the brightest of the objects that Herschel saw, with detailed descriptions and images of 150 to 200 of the very best for viewing with amateur telescopes. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45785 Most amateur astronomers, because they live in or near cities, have to carry out their observing from relatively light-polluted sites. It is possible to reduce the effects of a poor location by the use of CCD imaging, but many observers prefer to look at astronomical objects rather than photograph them. Skill, observing techniques, and modern technology - such as image intensifiers - can now be used to astonishing effect to observe the night sky in real-time. Illustrating the book with images and some of his own superb drawings, Antony Cooke explains how to observe some of the most spectacular objects from less than perfect observing sites. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=45770 This book is based around the author’s beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring color images and mosaics of deep-sky objects. The images were used as the basis of a public exhibition held at the University of Southampton (Summer 2006), attended by the press, local radio and TV interviewers as well as the public. The book describes how similar images can be created by amateur astronomers, using commercially available telescopes and CCD cameras. Subsequent processing and image enhancement in the “electronic darkroom” is covered in detail as well. Not everybody can afford the biggest and best telescopes and CCD cameras, so a range of telescopes and equipment is considered, from the author’s 11-inch with Hyperstar camera, down to more affordable instruments. Appendices provide links to free software – not available from a single source – and are themselves an invaluable resource. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44835 Text introduces the concepts and historical development of astronomy. Presents positional measurements and celestial mechanics, and describes the techniques and instrumentation of astronomical observation and measurement. For undergraduate students in physics and astronomy. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44773 With a lively yet rigorous and quantitative approach, Frederick R. Chromey introduces the fundamental topics in optical observational astronomy for undergraduates. Focussing on the basic principles of light detection, telescope optics, coordinate systems and data analysis, students are introduced to modern astronomical observation techniques and measurements. Cutting-edge technologies such as advanced CCD detectors and adaptive optics are presented through the physical principles on which they are based, helping students understand the power of modern space and ground-based telescopes, and the motivations and limitations of future development. Discussion of statistics and measurement uncertainty enables students to confront the important questions of data quality. With a purposeful structure and clear approach, this is an essential resource for all students of observational astronomy. It explains the theoretical foundations for observational practices and reviews essential physics to support students' mastery of the subject. Student understanding is strengthened through over 120 exercises and problems. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44702 There is no gravity in space. The North Star never changes its position in the sky. Earth's shadow causes the phases of the moon. You may have heard these common sayings or beliefs before. But are they really true? Can they be proven using science? Let's investigate seventeen statements about space and find out which ones are right, which ones are wrong, and which ones still stump scientists! Find out whether astronauts really landed on the moon! Discover whether it's true that the same side of the Moon is always dark! See if you can tell the difference between fact and fiction with Is That a Fact? Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44664 The most trusted nonfiction series on the market, Eyewitness Books pre an in-depth, comprehensive look at their subjects with a unique integration of words and pictures. Eyewitness Universe is DK's classic look at black holes, galaxies, and other amazing features of the universe, now reissued with a CD and wall chart. Discusses the history of astronomy, including the discovery of the planets, sun, stars, and distant galaxies, and details human exploration of the universe. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44389 Dark energy, the mysterious cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe, is one of the most important fields of research in astrophysics and cosmology today. Introducing the theoretical ideas, observational methods and results, this textbook is ideally suited to graduate courses on dark energy, and will also supplement advanced cosmology courses. Providing a thorough introduction to this exciting field, the textbook covers the cosmological constant, quintessence, k-essence, perfect fluid models, extra-dimensional models, and modified gravity. Observational research is reviewed, from the cosmic microwave background to baryon acoustic oscillations, weak lensing and cluster abundances. Every chapter ends with problems, with full solutions provided, and any calculations are worked through step-by-step. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44267 Meteorites and Their Parent Planets provides an engrossing overview of a highly interdisciplinary field--the study of extraterrestrial materials. The second edition of this successful book has been thoroughly revised, and describes the nature of meteorites, where they come from, and how they get to Earth. Meteorites offer important insights into processes in stars and in interstellar regions, the birth of our solar system, the formation and evolution of planets and smaller bodies, and the origin of life. The first edition was immensely popular with meteorite collectors, scientists and science students in many fields, as well as amateur astronomers. In this second edition all of the illustrations have been updated and improved, many sections have been expanded and modified based on discoveries in the past decade, and a new final chapter on the importance of meteorites has been added. Everyone with an interest in meteorites will want a copy of this book. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44199 This is the first major publication on liquid-rocket combustion devices since 1960. A total of 26 chapters prepared by world-renowned experts in their subject areas are included. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of liquid-propellant combustion and thrust chamber dynamics, and is incorporated into the volume in a well-organized, cohesive manner. There are contributions from nine different countries - China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44188 Are we alone in the Universe? Was there anything before the Big Bang? Are there other universes? What are sunspots? What is a shooting star? Was there ever life on Mars? This book answers the fascinating questions that we have been asking ourselves for hundreds of years. Using non-technical language, the authors summarize current astronomical knowledge, taking care to include the important underlying scientific principles. Plentiful color illustrations, graphs and photographs lend further weight to their simple yet meticulously written explanations. An extensive bibliography allows you to pursue or recap on the subjects that rouse your particular interest. Dip in to discover and learn fascinating facts about our Solar System and the Universe beyond! Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44181 This is the first major publication on liquid-rocket combustion devices since 1960. A total of 26 chapters prepared by world-renowned experts in their subject areas are included. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of liquid-propellant combustion and thrust chamber dynamics, and is incorporated into the volume in a well-organized, cohesive manner. There are contributions from nine different countries - China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=44147 Our journey in search of the origin of matter - and, by extension, the origin of the Universe itself - has taken us deeper and deeper inside atoms. First to come into view was the atomic nucleus, and still further downscale the individual protons and neutrons that constitute the nucleus. At least for three decades, nucleons (protons and neutrons) were considered to be our final destination. Then, peering into them, we detected shadows of yet another layer of matter that lurks inside. Unable so far to crack open a nucleon and bring out one of these shadowy objects for observation and measurement, we can only guess what they are. We have named them quarks. We believe that two types of quarks - one named "up" and the other "down" - make up the proton and the neutron. Quarks are held together by a force dubbed the chromo force, represented by particles named gluons, which are just as unseen as quarks. So it is the quarks and gluons that lie at the bottom of all known matter! Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43835 The book is aimed at astrophysics students and professional physicists who wish to understand the basics of cosmology and general relativity as well as the observational foundations of the LambdaCDM model of the Universe. The book provides a self-contained introduction to general relativity that is based on the homogeneity and isotropy of the local universe. The simplicity of this space allows general relativity to be presented in a very elementary manner while laying the foundation for the treatment of more complicated problems. The new edition presents the most recent observations, including those of CMB anisotropies by WMAP and of Baryon Acoustic Oscillations by SDSS. Future observational and theoretical challenges for the understanding of dark energy and dark matter are discussed. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43710 The History of Astronomy: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Michael Hoskin Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (July 31, 2003) | ISBN: 0192803069 | Language English | Audio CD in MP3/Variable | 122 MB * The only short introduction to this subject * Focuses on the major developments of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries: Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Newton and beyond * Looks at astronomy in antiquity: the Egyptians and the Greeks: Aristotle, Plato, Eudoxus, Hipparchus * Final chapter on the directions that the subject has taken since 1950 Astronomy, perhaps the first of the sciences, was already well developed by the time of Christ. Seventeen centuries later, after Newton showed that the movements of the planets could be explained in terms of gravitation, it became the paradigm for the mathematical sciences. In the nineteenth century the analysis of star-light allowed astrophysicists to determine both the chemical composition and the radial velocities of celestial bodies, while the development of photography enabled distant objects invisible to the human eye, to be studied and measured in comfort. Technical developments during and since the Second World War have greatly enlarged the scope of the science by permitting the study of radiation. This is a fascinating introduction to the history of Western astronomy, from prehistoric times to the origins of astrophysics in the mid-nineteenth century. Historical records are first found in Babylo Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43516 The discovery of extrasolar planets over the past decade has had major impacts on our understanding of the formation and dynamical evolution of planetary systems. There are features and characteristics unseen in our solar system and unexplainable by the current theories of planet formation and dynamics. Among these new surprises is the discovery of planets in binary and multiple-star systems. The discovery of such "binary-planetary" systems has confronted astrodynamicists with many new challenges, and has led them to re-examine the theories of planet formation and dynamics. Among these challenges are: # How are planets formed in binary star systems? # What would be the notion of habitability in such systems? # Under what conditions can binary star systems have habitable planets? # How will volatiles necessary for life appear on such planets? This volume seeks to gather the current research in the area of planets in binary and multistar systems and to familiarize readers with its associated theoretical and observational challenges. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43515 Mars sits very exposed to the solar wind and, because it is a small planet, has but a weak hold on its atmosphere. The solar wind therefore plays an important role in the evolution of the martian atmosphere. Over the last four decades a series of European missions, first from the Soviet Union and more recently from the European Space Agency, together with a single investigation from the U.S., the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft, have added immeasurably to our understanding of the interplay between the solar wind and Mars atmosphere. Most recently the measurements of the plasma and fast neutral populations, conducted on the Mars Express spacecraft by the ASPERA-3 instrument have been acquired and analyzed. Their presentation to the public, most notably at the workshop "The Solar Wind Interaction and Atmosphere Evolution of Mars" held in Kiruna in early 2006, was the inspiration for this series of articles. However participation in the Kiruna conference was not a selection criterion for this volume. The papers cover the ancient sun and evolution of the solar wind, the physics of the solar wind interaction, the measurements of the hot plasma and fast neutrals by ASPERA-3, the ionosphere by MARSIS, and the x-rays emitted by the atmosphere. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43285 This book, in three parts, describes three phases in the development of the modern theory and calculation of the Moon's motion—the last of which, in 1984, resulted in the transfer in the responsibility of producing lunar tables from the Nautical Almanac Office in Washington, D.C., to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA—definitively ending an era. The mathematical, philosophical, and historical interest in the analytic solution to the lunar problem using the Hill–Brown method still engages celestial mechanicians and is the primary focus of this work. Part I explains the crisis in lunar theory in the 1870s that led G.W. Hill to lay a new foundation for an analytic solution, a preliminary orbit he called the "variational curve." Part II is devoted to E.W. Brown's completion of the new theory as a series of successive perturbations of Hill's variational curve. Part III describes the revolutionary developments in time-measurement and the determination of Earth-Moon and Earth-planet distances that led to the retirement of the Hill–Brown theory in 1984. The book uses some calculus and differential equations, but the text is largely understandable without advanced knowledge in these areas. Amateurs of astronomy, as well as instructors and scholars of the general history of science, would find this book of significant interest. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=43190 In support of Pluto–the cutest and most unfairly treated planet Pity poor Pluto: It?s a planet that was discovered because of a mistake, a planet that turned out not to be a planet at all, thanks to a still–disputed decision made in 2006. And yet, Pluto is the planet best–loved by Americans, especially children, one that may have contained the building blocks of life billions of years ago and may well serve as life?s last redoubt billions of years from now. In The Case for Pluto, award–winning science writer Alan Boyle traces the tiny planet?s ups and downs, its strange appeal, the reasons behind its demotion, and the reasons why it should be set back in the planetary pantheon. •Tells the compelling story of Pluto?s discovery and how it became a cultural icon •Makes the case for Pluto as planet, countering the books that argue against it •Comes in a small, friendly package — just like Pluto — and features a handsome design, making it a great gift The Case for Pluto is the must–read tale of a cosmic underdog that has captured the hearts of millions: an endearing little planet that is changing the way we see the universe beyond our backyard. Alan Boyle is MSNBC.com’s science editor and the award–winning blogger behind Cosmic Log. He’s been a talking head on NBC’s The Today Show and the MSNBC cable channel, holding forth on scientific subjects ranging from the chances of an asteroid Armageddon to the 3–D wizardry behind the “Harry Potter” movies. But he wri Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42602 This is a revised and updated edition of Graham Nerlich's classic book (1976). It develops a metaphysical account of space that treats it as a real and concrete entity, showing that shape plays a key explanatory role in space and spacetime theories. Arguing that geometrical explanation is very like causal explanation, Professor Nerlich prepares the ground for philosophical argument and investigates how different spaces would affect perception differently. Along the way Professor Nerlich criticizes and rejects conventionalism as a non-realist metaphysics of space, concluding that there is, in fact, no problem of underdetermination for this aspect of spacetime theories, while offering an extensive discussion of the relativity of motion. • Revised and updated edition of classic work (1st edition published 1976) • Clear and well-written account of key topic in philosophy of science, suitable for teaching on graduate courses • No other book approaches this topic with same authority or from perspective of physical geometry Contents Introduction; 1. Space and spatial relations; 2. Hands, knees and absolute space; 3. Euclidean and other shapes; 4. Geometrical structures in space and spacetime; 5. Shapes and the imagination; 6. The aims of conventionalism; 7. Against conventionalism; 8. Reichenbach's treatment of topology; 9. Measuring space: fact or convention?; 10. The relativity of motion; Bibliography; Index. Review ‘A fresh - and much needed - realistic perspective t Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42601 This controversial book examines one of the most fundamental questions of modern cosmology: how much matter is there in the Universe? This issue affects theories of the origin and evolution of the Universe as well as its geometrical structure and ultimate fate. The authors address this debate and point out the most likely avenues for determining the actual density of Universe matter in both visible and invisible forms by pulling together evidence from all available sources. They conclude that the balance of arguments presently lies with a density of around twenty percent of the critical density required for the Universe to ultimately recollapse. Written by two eminent cosmologists, this topical and provocative book will be essential reading for all cosmologists and astrophysicists. • The first review of the ultimate fate of the Universe, by one of the world’s foremost cosmologists (Ellis) • A provocative and up-to-date review of one of the most hotly debated topics in cosmology today • An indispensable introduction to the most recent developments in modern cosmology - for graduate students and researchers Contents Preface; Acknowledgments; 1. Introduction; 2. Theoretical arguments; 3. Cosmological observations; 4. Element abundances; 5. Astrophysical arguments; 6. Large-scale structure; 7. The cosmic microwave background; 8. More realistic universe models; 9. What is the verdict?; References; Index. Reviews ‘… a very thorough and systematic tour of both the traditi Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42504 Describes the dwarf planet Pluto, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 What is Pluto? 5 Chapter 2 Pluto’s Structure and Features 23 Chapter 3 Changing Pluto’s Status 37 Chapter 4 Mission to Pluto 49 Quick Facts about Pluto 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 60 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42503 Describes the stars, including their history, their composition, and their roles in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 What Is a Star? 5 Chapter 2 The Birth and Death of Stars 23 Chapter 3 Galaxies 35 Chapter 4 Stargazing 45 The Closest Stars 58 The brightest Stars 59 Glossary 60 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42502 Describes Uranus, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 An Unexpected Discovery 5 Chapter 2 The Mystery Planet 19 Chapter 3 New Discoveries 27 Chapter 4 Exploring the Planet 43 Quick Facts about Uranus 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 60 bibliography 61 Index 62 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42501 Describes Venus, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 The Solar System 5 Chapter 2 Discovering Venus 15 Chapter 3 Missions to Venus 25 Chapter 4 Features of Venus 35 Quick Facts about Venus 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 60 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42294 This is a study and translation of the Zhou bi suan jing, a Chinese work on astronomy and mathematics that reached its final form around the first century AD. The author provides the first easily accessible introduction to the developing mathematical and observational practices of ancient Chinese astronomers and shows how the generation and validation of knowledge about the heavens in Han dynasty China related closely to developments in statecraft and politics. This book will be fascinating reading for scholars in the history of science, Chinese history, and astronomy. • First study of ancient Chinese mathematical astronomy accessible to the non-specialist • Fully annotated and lucid translation of an important Chinese astronomical text • Shows the close interplay between politics and scientific activity in ancient China Contents Preface; 1. The background of the Zhou bi; 2. The Zhou bi and its contents; 3. The origins of the work; 4. The later history of the Zhou bi; Zhou bi suan jing: translation; Appendices; References and bibliography; Index. Reviews ‘… Cullen provides a lucid and highly readable survey of the development of Chinese cosmography … All this and more is set forth in a jargon-free style accessible to the general reader while at the same time satisfying the demands of the specialist for comprehensive and informative references and Chinese characters.’ The Journal of Asian Studies ‘The pathway for the reader is more than just academically intere Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42167 Is it possible that extraterrestrial life forms exist within our Galaxy, the Milky Way? This book offers a critical analysis by leading experts in a range of sciences, of the plausibility that other intelligent lifeforms do exist. Exploration of the Solar System, and observations with telescopes that probe deep space, have come up empty handed in searches for evidence of extraterrestrial life. Many experts in the fields of astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics are now arguing that the evidence points to the conclusion that technological civilisations are rare. After ten billion years, and among hundreds of billions of stars, we may well possess the most advanced brains in the Milky Way Galaxy. This second edition contains many new and updated aspects of extraterrestrial research, especially the biological viewpoint of the question. • Completely scientific presentation, robustly argued • Contact with an extraterrestrial civilisation would be the most dramatic scientific discovery of all time • Second edition is thoroughly up to date and includes new research Contents 1. An explanation for the absence of extraterrestrials on Earth Michael H. Hart; 2. One attempt to find where they are: NASA's high resolution microwave survey Jill Tarter; 3. An examination of claims that extraterrestrial visitors to Earth are being observed Robert Sheaffer; 4. The likelihood of interstellar colonization, and the absence of its evidence Sebastian von Hoerner; 5. Preemption of the ga Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42153 Describes Earth and its moon, including their history, their composition, and their roles in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 A Planet and Its Moon 5 Chapter 2 Earth and the Moon Through the Ages 19 Chapter 3 A Closer Look at Earth and the Moon 33 Chapter 4 Back to the Moon and Beyond 49 Quick Facts about earth and the moon 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42152 Describes the sun, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1: Space 5 Chapter 2: Early Theories about the Sun 15 Chapter 3: Structure and Physical Features of the Sun 27 Chapter 4: Earth-Sun Connections 43 Quick Facts about the Sun 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42151 Describes Jupiter, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 The First of the Gas Giants 5 Chapter 2 Structure and Physical Features of Jupiter 15 Chapter 3 Exploring Jupiter 37 Chapter 4 Current and Future Missions to Jupiter 47 QUICK facts about JUPITER 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42150 Describes Neptune, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 The Double Discovery 5 Chapter 2 Voyager 2 17 Chapter 3 Neptune’s Strange Moons and Rings 27 Chapter 4 Neptune’s Physical Features 41 Quick Facts about Neptune 56 Glossary 57 Find Out More 59 bibliography 61 Index 62 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42149 Describes Saturn, including its history, its composition, and its role in the solar system. Contents Chapter 1 The Ringed Planet 5 Chapter 2 Saturn through the Ages 19 Chapter 3 A Closer Look 33 Chapter 4 Saturn and Beyond 47 Quick Facts about Saturn 58 Glossary 59 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=42021 Bringing together some of the most recognized and influential researchers and scientists in various space-related disciplines, Lunar Settlements addresses the many issues that surround the permanent human return to the Moon. Numerous international contributors offer their insights into how certain technological, physiological, and psychological challenges must be met to make permanent lunar settlements possible. The book first looks to the past, covering the Apollo and Saturn legacies. In addition, former astronaut and U.S. Senator Harrison H. Schmitt discusses how to maintain deep space exploration and settlement. The book then discusses economic aspects, such as funding for lunar commerce, managing human resources, and commercial transportation logistics. After examining how cultural elements will fit into habitat design, the text explores the physiological, psychological, and ethical impact of living on a lunar settlement. It also describes the planning/technical requirements of lunar habitation, the design of both manned and modular lunar bases, and the protection of lunar habitats against meteoroids. Focusing on lunar soil mechanics, the book concludes with discussions on lunar concrete, terraforming, and using greenhouses for agricultural purposes. Drawing from the lunar experiences of the six Apollo landing missions to the many American and Soviet robotic missions to current space activities and research, this volume summarizes the problems, prospects, and practi Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=41673 This intriguing series takes at our universe and the planets, stars, etc. that are part of it. Contents Chapter 1 What Is an Asteroid? 5 Chapter 2 Meteoroids, Meteors, and Meteorites 23 Chapter 3 Comets 35 Glossary 60 Find Out More 61 bibliography 62 Index 63 Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=41450 Gaskinetic Theory is an introductory text on the molecular theory of gases and on modern transport theory suitable for upper division undergraduates in physics and first year graduate students in aerospace engineering, upper atmospheric science and space research. The first part introduces basic concepts, including the distribution function, classical theory of specific heats, binary collisions, mean free path, and reaction rates. Transport theory is used to express coefficients such as viscosity and heat conductivity in terms of molecular properties. The second part of the book covers advanced transport theory. Generalized transport equations are derived from the Boltzmann equation. The Chapman-Enskog and the Grad methods are discussed to obtain higher order transport equations for low density gases. The aerodynamics of solid bodies is explored and the book concludes with the kinetic description of shock waves. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=41365 Covering all aspects of gravitation in a contemporary style, this advanced textbook is ideal for graduate students and researchers in all areas of theoretical physics. The 'Foundation' section develops the formalism in six chapters, and uses it in the next four chapters to discuss four key applications - spherical spacetimes, black holes, gravitational waves and cosmology. The six chapters in the 'Frontier' section describe cosmological perturbation theory, quantum fields in curved spacetime, and the Hamiltonian structure of general relativity, among several other advanced topics, some of which are covered in-depth for the first time in a textbook. The modular structure of the book allows different sections to be combined to suit a variety of courses. Over 200 exercises are included to test and develop the reader's understanding. There are also over 30 projects, which help readers make the transition from the book to their own original research. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=41061 Taking advantage of recent advances throughout the sciences, Matthew Hedman brings the distant past closer to us than it has ever been. Here, he shows how scientists have determined the age of everything from the colonization of the New World over 13,000 years ago to the origin of the universe nearly fourteen billion years ago. Hedman details, for example, how interdisciplinary studies of the Great Pyramids of Egypt can determine exactly when and how these incredible structures were built. He shows how the remains of humble trees can illuminate how the surface of the sun has changed over the past ten millennia. And he also explores how the origins of the earth, solar system, and universe are being discerned with help from rocks that fall from the sky, the light from distant stars, and even the static seen on television sets. Covering a wide range of time scales, from the Big Bang to human history, The Age of Everything is a provocative and far-ranging look at how science has determined the age of everything from modern mammals to the oldest stars, and will be indispensable for all armchair time travelers. “We are used to being told confidently of an enormous, measurable past: that some collection of dusty bones is tens of thousands of years old, or that astronomical bodies have an age of some billions. But how exactly do scientists come to know these things? That is the subject of this quite fascinating book. . . . As told by Hedman, an astronomer, each story is a ma Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40832 This title begins with two-page overviews of the history of astronomy, early instruments used in both astronomy and navigation, and astrology. Double-page spreads on optical and radio telescopes, observatories, spectroscopy, the solar system, the sun and moon, and each planet follow. The book concludes with a discussion of meteors and cosmology. The illustrations consist of small, full-color reproductions of paintings and full-color drawings and diagrams; all have captions that often contain more information than the introductory paragraph they surround. An excellent introduction to the topic.?Margaret M. Hagel, Norfolk Public Library System, VA Review ...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40701 Since the discovery of a written copy of the Sepher Yetzirah in the first century A. D. there have been many books written of the Tree of Life, yet none on the Cube of Space. For the first time a major work has come forth that takes the reader from an introduction of The Cube of Space to a detailed explanation of its parts and relationship to the Tree of Life. The author demonstrates how the Cube of Space is generated through sacred geometry, the Sphere of Binah and the Magic Square of Saturn. Some of the information in this book may create waves in the traditional teachings of the Tree of Life. Undoubtedly, The Cube of Space is an original and bold new work concerning the most neglected areas of study in the Qabalah, and perhaps the most important. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40556 December 21, 2012. The Internet, bookshelves, and movie theaters are full of prophecies, theories, and predictions that this date marks the end of the world, or at least the end of the world as we know it. Whether the end will result from the magnentic realignment of the north and south poles, bringing floods, earthquakes, death, and destruction; or from the return of alien caretakers to enlighten or enslave us; or from a global awakening, a sudden evolution of Homo sapiens into non-corporeal beings theories of great, impending changes abound. In The End of Time, award-winning astronomer and Maya researcher Anthony Aveni explores these theories, explains their origins, and measures them objectively against evidence unearthed by Maya archaeologists, iconographers, and epigraphers. He probes the latest information astronomers and earth scientists have gathered on the likelihood of Armageddon and the oft-proposed link between the Maya Long Count cycle and the precession of the equinoxes. He then expands on these prophecies to include the broader context of how other cultures, ancient and modern, thought about the end of things and speculates on why cataclysmic events in human history have such a strong appeal within American pop culture. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40442 The purpose of this book is to propose a legal regime to govern the exploitation of natural resources of the Moon and other celestial bodies. Considering, on the one side, the interest shown by States and private operators to extract and use extraterrestrial natural resources and, on the other, the absence of specific rules dealing with such an option, the establishment of a legal framework to regulate the exploitation of natural resources of the Moon and other celestial bodies is needed so as to ensure its peaceful, safe and orderly development. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40437 This text, designed for beginning students of stellar physics, introduces the fundamentals of stellar structure and evolution. In emphasizing the general picture of the life cycles of stars and the physics responsible, it also allows prospective specialists a taste of many of the detailed aspects of this mature discipline. The authors develop a solid foundation in important theory that is often overlooked in typical courses, yet steer clear of extraneous intensive mathematics and physics. Topics include nuclear physics and stellar energy sources, the equation of state of stellar material, phenomenological approaches to convection, and modern numerical techniques for computation of stellar evolution. Keeping pace with recent developments, the authors incorporate important elements such as asteroseismology, and the effects of rotation and magnetic fields. The text contains the source code for two useful programs, ZAMS (for constructing chemically homogeneous zero-age main sequence models) and PULS (to study the seismological properties of the ZAMS models). Some chapters include exercises. The diskette can be used on any computer with a FORTRAN compiler. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40334 An Explorer's Guide to the Universe Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40248 Written by an experienced teacher and author, this must-have source for work with polarimetric equipment and polarimetry in astronomy conveys the knowledge of the technology and techniques needed to measure and interpret polarizations. As such, this monograph offers a brief introduction and refresher, while also covering in detail statistics and data treatment as well as telescope optics. For astronomers, physicists and those working in the optical industry. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40214 This book provides a comprehensive introductory guide to "choosing and using" an LXD55 / 75 computer-controlled "Goto" series of telescopes, and is useful for both beginners and more advanced practical amateur astronomers. It also provides a comprehensive guide to using Autostar(TM), the computerized "Goto" handset. There is already a large user-base of these telescopes around the world, but there is as yet no single comprehensive guide commercially available for users to fully get to grips with using the LXD series of telescopes. The manufacturer’s manuals are not detailed enough to be of real help to beginners, nor does it provide advanced technical tips and user information to help the experienced astronomer get the best out of these instruments. This guide brings together the information needed to help owners get the best out of their LXD telescopes. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40054 Light - our experience of light, our measurement of light, and the notion that light speed is constant - can be understood to mark our interface with the cosmos. David A. Grandy's book moves from the scientific to the existential, from Einstein to Merleau-Ponty, from light as a phenomenon to light as that which is constitutive of reality. To measure the speed of light is to measure something about the way we are measured or blended into the cosmos, and that universal blending predetermines our measurement of light speed in favor of a universal or constant value. It's quite a trip, one aimed at scientists who have pondered light speed constancy, philosophers inclined to question the idea that mind and world are distinct, and scientifically or philosophically inclined persons who enjoy stretching themselves in new ways. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=40008 THE PLANETS is Dava Sobel’s sweeping look at our heavenly galaxy. In the spirit of Longitude and Galileo’s Daughter, Sobel once again brings science and history deftly to life as she explores the origins of the planets and reveals the exotic environments that exist in each of these fascinating alien worlds. After the huge national and international success of Longitude and Galileo’s Daughter, Dava Sobel tells the human story of the nine planets of our solar system. THE PLANETS tells the story of each member of our solar family, from their discovery, both mythic and historic, to the latest data from the modern era’s robotic space probes and images from the Hubble Space Telescope. Whether revealing what hides behind Venus’ cocoon of acid clouds, describing Jupiter’s ‘Technicolor lightning bolts and shimmering sheets of auroras,’ or capturing first-hand the excitement at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory when the first pictures from Voyager were beamed to earth, Dava Sobel’s unique tour of the solar family is filled with fascination and poetry. In lyrical prose THE PLANETS gives a breathtaking, close-up perspective on those heavenly bodies that have captured the imagination of humanity since that first glimpse at the glittering night skies. This is an extraordinary book of science, history, biography and storytelling. Timely and timeless, THE PLANETS will engage and delight as it unravels the mysteries of the cosmos. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39945 Impulsive light-like signals in General Relativity are, like any models in theoretical physics, idealised mathematical models of objects that can arise in nature. In cataclysmic astrophysical events, such as supernovae and collisions of neutron stars, the final explosion produces a burst of matter travelling with the speed of light accompanied by a burst of gravitational radiation. These are the constituents of a general impulsive light-like signal. The gravitational fields of compact objects such as black-holes or neutron stars also resemble the fields of impulsive light-like signals when the objects are boosted to the speed of light. Spherically symmetric impulsive lightlike signals are useful in the study of gravitational collapse and also in providing classical models of quantum phenomena in black-hole physics such as Hawking radiation and the entropy of a black-hole. Impulsive lightlike signals play a central role in modeling black-hole production in highenergy collisions. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39782 With a large measure of humor and a minimum of math (one equation), physics professor Goldberg and engineer Blomquist delve into the fascinating physics topics that rarely make it into introductory classes, including time travel, extraterrestrials, and "quantum weirdness" to prove that physics' "reputation for being hard, impractical, and boring" is wrong by at least two-thirds: "Hard? Perhaps. Impractical? Definitely not... But boring? That's where we really take issue." Breaking up each topic into common sense questions ("How many habitable planets are there?" "What is Dark Matter?" "If the universe is expanding, what's it expanding into?"), the duo provides explanations in everyday language with helpful examples, analogies, and Blomquist's charmingly unpolished cartoons. Among other lessons, readers will learn about randomness through gambling; how a Star Trek-style transporter might function in the real world; and what may have existed before the Big Bang. Despite the absence of math, this nearly-painless guide is still involved and scientific, aimed at science hobbyists rather than science-phobes; it should also prove an ideal reference companion for more technical classroom texts. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39424 The problem of cosmic ray (CR) geomagnetic effects came to the fore at the beginning of the 1930s after the famous expeditions by J. Clay onboard ship (Slamat) between the Netherlands and Java using an ionization chamber. Many CR latitude expeditions were organized by the famous scientists and Nobel Laureates R. Millikan and A. Compton. From the obtained latitude curves it follows that CRs cannot be gamma rays (as many scientists thought at that time), but must be charged particles. From measurements of azimuthally geomagnetic effect at that time it also followed that these charged particles must be mostly positive Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39421 The idea behind this book originated at a meeting held in Caramulo in Portugal in September 2003. The participants agreed that, though the field of natural dynamos (planetary, stellar and galactic) was rapidly evolving and attracting the interest of researchers in other branches of fluid mechanics, there was no comprehensive introductory book for researchers or graduate students entering this research area. The organisers therefore decided to take advantage of the broad-based knowledge of the invited lecturers at the conference to assemble a “multi-authored monograph”. Despite the obvious contradiction in this phrase, it does reflect the spirit in which this book was prepared. While each section of the book was written by specialists in different aspects of this subject, a concerted effort has been made to provide a unified presentation, which develops concepts in a coherent order and, where feasible, uses consistent notation. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39418 High energy astronomical objects such as the active galactic nuclei and radio galaxies were searched as a possible origin of such EHECRs, but none were found in the arrival direction of these events within 100 Mpc of our galaxy3. More distant origins may be considered, but only if a special mechanism to allow a longer propagation of EHECRs to take place, for example the violation of special relativity4 or the EHE neutrinos as the carrier of such energy. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39414 Astronomical Optics and Elasticity Theory provides a very thorough and comprehensive account of what is known in this field. After an extensive introduction to optics and elasticity, the book discusses variable curvature and multimode deformable mirrors, as well as, in depth, active optics, its theory and applications. Further, optical design utilizing the Schmidt concept and various types of Schmidt correctors, as well as the elasticity theory of thin plates and shells are elaborated upon. Several active optics methods are developed for obtaining aberration corrected diffraction gratings. Further, a weakly conical shell theory of elasticity is elaborated for the aspherization of grazing incidence telescope mirrors. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39413 Die Verlinkung von Computern und ihren Komponenten hat mit den Moglichkeiten der drahtlosen Kommunikation eine neue Qualitat erreicht – sowohl fur private Nutzer als auch fur Organisationen. Diese Entwicklung fuhrt zu neuen Herausforderungen fur die IT- Sicherheit: dies steht im Mittelpunkt des Buches. Die gesamte Bandbreite der drahtlosen Kommunikation wird abgedeckt (WLAN, Bluetooth, Mobiltelefonie), mit detaillierten Beschreibungen der Technologie, der Standards, der Verschlusselung und Konfiguration. Um einen Komplettcheck seiner drahtlosen Anwendungen zu gewahrleisten, benotigt der IT-Sicherheitsverantwortliche den Uberblick uber eine Vielzahl kritischer Bereiche. Er muss sicher stellen, dass ein Eindringling keinen Zugriff auf interne Daten oder Systemfunktionalitaten erhalt. Um diese Aufgabe zu unterstutzen, wird ihm eine umfassende Checkliste an die Hand gegeben, die alle wesentlichen Aspekte drahtloser Sicherheit abdeckt. Dieses Tool basiert auf neuesten Sicherheits- und Kommunikationsstandards. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39412 In diesem kompetent geschriebenen Lehrbuch wird, ausgehend von der Beschreibung unserer Milchstra?e, die Astronomie der Galaxien und ihrer gro?raumigen Verteilung eingehend dargestellt und schlie?lich im kosmologischen Kontext diskutiert. Aufbauend auf eine Einfuhrung in die moderne beobachtende und theoretische Kosmologie wird die Entstehung von Strukturen und astronomischen Objekten im fruhen Universum besprochen. Peter Schneiders Einfuhrung in die extragalaktische Astronomie und Kosmologie fullt eine Lucke im Angebot astronomischer Lehrbucher, indem es Studenten mit Grundkenntnissen in Astronomie und Astrophysik die Moglichkeit bietet, sich umfassend in diese faszinierenden und aktuellen Gebiete der Astronomie einzuarbeiten. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39276 Explores the composition of outer space and the objects and elements that appear therein, with a particular focus on planets and other bodies in our solar system. TABLE OF CONTENTS What is Outer Space? The Solar System The Earth's Place in Space The Moon The Sun The Eight Planets Other Space Objects Stars and Galaxies 2 (41) Space Exploration 4 (45) Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39048 The 600-plus main articles range from 2500 to 5000 words and offer illustrations and bibliographic references, which sometimes include web sites. The shorter, unsigned articles are descriptions of space vehicles and missions, messier objects, observatories, definitions, and biographies. Most of the 2000 illustrations are black and white, with a few color-plate inserts grouped in the middle of each volume. It is considerably more inclusive than either the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Astronomy (LJ 4/15/93) or The Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Van Nostrand Reinhold: Wiley, 1992). Suitable for scientists, students, and amateur astronomers, this work is recommended for academic libraries. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39009 From Brian Greene, one of the world’s leading physicists, comes a grand tour of the universe that makes us look at reality in a completely different way. Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? Greene uses these questions to guide us toward modern science’s new and deeper understanding of the universe. From Newton’s unchanging realm in which space and time are absolute, to Einstein’s fluid conception of spacetime, to quantum mechanics’ entangled arena where vastly distant objects can bridge their spatial separation to instantaneously coordinate their behavior or even undergo teleportation, Greene reveals our world to be very different from what common experience leads us to believe. Focusing on the enigma of time, Greene establishes that nothing in the laws of physics insists that it run in any particular direction and that “time’s arrow” is a relic of the universe’s condition at the moment of the big bang. And in explaining the big bang itself, Greene shows how recent cutting-edge developments in superstring and M-theory may reconcile the behavior of everything from the smallest particle to the largest black hole. This startling vision culminates in a vibrant eleven-dimensional “multiverse,” pulsating with ever-changing textures, where space and time themselves may dissolve int Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=39006 The exploration of the subnuclear world is done through increasingly complex experiments covering a wide range of energies and in a large variety of environments - from particle accelerators, underground detectors to satellites and space laboratories. For these research programs to succeed, novel techniques, new materials and new instrumentation need to be used in detectors, often on a large scale. Hence, particle physics is at the forefront of technological advancement and leads to numerous applications. Among these, medical applications have a particular importance due to the health and social benefits they bring. This volume reviews the advances made in all technological aspects of current experiments in the field. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38989 Two world-renowned scientists present an audacious new vision of the cosmos that “steals the thunder from the Big Bang theory.” —Wall Street Journal The Big Bang theory—widely regarded as the leading explanation for the origin of the universe—posits that space and time sprang into being about 14 billion years ago in a hot, expanding fireball of nearly infinite density. Over the last three decades the theory has been repeatedly revised to address such issues as how galaxies and stars first formed and why the expansion of the universe is speeding up today. Furthermore, an explanation has yet to be found for what caused the Big Bang in the first place. In Endless Universe, Paul J. Steinhardt and Neil Turok, both distinguished theoretical physicists, present a bold new cosmology. Steinhardt and Turok “contend that what we think of as the moment of creation was simply part of an infinite cycle of titanic collisions between our universe and a parallel world” (Discover). They recount the remarkable developments in astronomy, particle physics, and superstring theory that form the basis for their groundbreaking “Cyclic Universe” theory. According to this theory, the Big Bang was not the beginning of time but the bridge to a past filled with endlessly repeating cycles of evolution, each accompanied by the creation of new matter and the formation of new galaxies, stars, and planets. Endless Universe provides answers to longstanding problems with the Big Bang model, while offeri Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38943 In this edition the principal works of K.E. Tsiolkovsky dealing with rocketry and the theory of interplanetary communications were published. These writings had brought him the priority as the founder of theoretical cosmonautics. The article by academician S.P. Korolyov "On the Practical Significance of the Scientific and Engineering Prepositions of Tsiolkovsky in Rocketry" had been premised to Tsiolkovsky's works. The edition is devoted to 150-th anniversary of Tsiolkovsky's birthday - 17-th of September 2007. For scientists and scientific community who are interested in the history of rocketry and cosmonautics. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38895 Each naturally occurring isotope contributes to the history of matter by having its own special role in cosmic evolution. This volume elucidates the origins of our material world by looking at the abundance of the elements and their isotopes, and how this is interpreted within the theory of nucleosynthesis. Each isotope of elements from Hydrogen to Gallium is covered in detail. The book will be suitable for astronomers, physicists, chemists, geologists and planetary scientists, and contains a glossary of essential technical terms. Summary: A must-have for anyone involved in nuclear astrophysics Rating: 5 This book is easily one of the most useful books in regard to nuclear astrophysics. While the chapters have very repetitive structure and wording, this fits very well with the books namesake of a handbook, rather than a work which is meant to be read straight through. While this book lacks many technical details, it is, to my knowledge, the only qualitative book on nuclear astrophysics, focusing on the connection of ideas in simple language. If you are interested in a technical book on the subject, these are widely available, from Clayton's 1968 Principles of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis, to Rolf's Cauldrons in the Cosmos: Nuclear Astrophysics (Theoretical Astrophysics Series), Pagel's Nucleosynthesis and Chemical Evolution of Galaxies, Arnett's Supernovae and Nucleosynthesis (Princeton Series in Astrophysics) and Iliadis's Nuclear Physics of Stars. In Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38593 Cosmic rays are an essential part of the universe. Their origin is related to many important astrophysical processes, such as star formation, stellar evolution, supernova explosions and the state of interstellar matter in the Galaxy. Cosmic Ray Physics reviews our present knowledge of cosmic rays, describing how they are born in a wide range of cosmic processes, how they are accelerated and how they interact with matter, magnetic fields and radiation during their journey across the Galaxy. The book also describes the detection of cosmic rays, and the processes which take place, both at the top and within the Earth’s atmosphere. The author also describes the very important area of the underground detection of very high energy cosmic rays and particles such as neutrinos. The book is divided into two parts, the first describing the standard model of cosmic rays and contemporary challenges, and the second part dealing with very high energy cosmic rays that cannot be detected directly in satellite and balloon experiments, and with gamma-ray and neutrino astronomy. It is in this particular aspect of the book that the greatest developments have taken place during the 5 years since the first edition was completed. Consequently, it is in the chapters cosmic ray showers, their spectrum, on high energy neutrinos, and on gamma-ray astronomy of this revised and updated 2nd edition that a considerable amount of new material has been incorporated with more minor revisions and updating taki Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38528 For every galaxy in the field or in clusters, there are about three galaxies in groups. The Milky Way itself resides in a group, and groups can be found at high redshift. The current generation of 10-m class telescopes and space facilities allows the observation of the members of nearby groups with exquisite detail, and their properties can be correlated with the global properties of their host group. Groups in the local Universe offer us the chance to study galaxies in environments characterized by strong interactions. In the cosmological context, groups trace large-scale structures better than clusters, and the evolution of groups and clusters appears to be related. All these aspects of research on groups of galaxies are summarized in this book written by scientists working in various fields. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38523 Progress in modern radio astronomy led to the discovery of space masers in the microwave range, and it became a powerful tool for studies of interstellar star-forming molecular clouds. Progress in observational astronomy, particularly with ground-based huge telescopes and the space-based Hubble Space Telescope, has led to recent discoveries of space lasers in the optical range. These operate in gas condensations in the vicinity of the mysterious star Eta Carinae (one of the most luminous and massive stars of our Galaxy). Both maser and laser effects, first demonstrated under laboratory conditions, have now been discovered to occur under natural conditions in space, too. This book describes consistently the elements of laser science, astrophysical plasmas, modern astronomical observation techniques, and the fundamentals and properties of astrophysical lasers. A book with such an interdisciplinary scope has not been available to date. The book will also be useful for a wider audience interested in modern developments of the natural sciences and technology. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38309 Faszination Weltraum: spektakulare wissenschaftliche Phanomene, fesselnd und leicht verstandlich erklart. Was sucht der Mensch im All? Was ist Dunkle Materie? Ist "Beamen" moglich? Was war vor dem Urknall? In seiner Kolumne "Odenwalds Universum" auf "FOCUS online" beantwortet Wissenschaftsredakteur Michael Odenwald jede Woche Leserfragen zu wissenschaftlichen Phanomenen. Er erklart, was Dunkle Materie und wie gefahrlich Weltraumschrott ist, er spricht uber Zeitreisen und Paralleluniversen, Urknall-Theorien und Au?erirdische. Seine spannendsten Texte zur Kosmologie sind nun erstmals als Buch zusammengefasst. Sie geben Antworten auf kosmische Mysterien, die zu den gro?en Fragen der Menschheit gehoren. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38279 We always thought of ourselves as being at the center of the Universe and at rest. It was not until very recently that Copernicus explained how our Earth is orbiting the Sun and that the Sun, not the Earth, is at the center of our solar system. Today’s theories such as Einstein’s special and general relativity, still believe that we and our galaxy, are at the center of the Universe. In fact, relativity with its “cosmological principle” claims that any observer on any galaxy in the Universe can consider him or herself at the center and at rest. In other words, everything is relative and there is no preferred or absolute point in space to relate our location or frame of reference to, thus the term “relativity”. This view creates certain problems. Imagine how difficult it was for astronomers before Copernicus’ time, to set up mathematical equations for planetary orbits with the Earth at the center and at rest and how difficult it is today to deal with a Universe that has more than one center in which we are motionless and at rest. It is understandable why we tend to believe that we are at rest since the star studded sky seems motionless relative to us and we have no feeling or conception of velocity or acceleration. For example, we cannot feel that we are hurling through space around the Sun fifty times faster than a rifle bullet at an orbital velocity of 30 km/second (18 miles/second). Nor do we feel our velocity around the center of our galaxy which is ten times higher or our Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38067 Deep Space Craft opens the door to interplanetary flight. It looks at this world from the vantage point of real operations on a specific mission, and follows a natural trail from the day-to-day working of this particular spacecraft, through the functioning of all spacecraft to the collaboration of the various disciplines to produce the results for which a spacecraft is designed. These results are of course mostly of a scientific nature, although a small number of interplanetary missions are also flown primarily to test and prove new engineering techniques. The author shows how, in order to make sense of all the scientific data coming back to Earth, the need for experiments and instrumentation arises, and follows the design and construction of the instruments through to their placement and testing on a spacecraft prior to launch. Examples are given of the interaction between an instrument’s science team and the mission’s flight team to plan and specify observations, gather and analyze data in flight, and finally present the results and discoveries to the scientific community. This highly focused, insider’s guide to interplanetary space exploration uses many examples of previous and current endeavors. It will enable the reader to research almost any topic related to spacecraft and to seek the latest scientific findings, the newest emerging technologies, or the current status of a favorite flight. In order to provide easy paths from the general to the specific, the text const Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38024 Few histories of astronomy offer the special human dimension of this book. For the late Professor Pannekoek (University of Amsterdam), the history of astronomy consisted in the growth of man's concept of his world. The study of the cosmos became an essential part of the history of human culture, an adventure of the mind. In this well-balanced account of that adventure, the author is at pains to relate the development of astronomy to the social and cultural background in which it is nurtured. Thus, the effect of changes in political conditions, the influence of geography, the growth of industry and of communications methods are clearly and incisively described. Dr. Pannekoek begins with an unusually detailed account of astronomy in ancient times, including Babylonian sky-lore, Assyrian astrology, the Ptolemaic worldview, Hellenistic astronomy, the epicycle theory, and Arabian astronomy. The growth of astronomy after Copernicus comprises the second part of the book, acquainting the reader with the epoch-making work of Kepler and Newton and the astonishing developments of celestial mechanics during the eighteenth century. Part III begins with Herschel, the gifted amateur whose observations opened up new horizons, and ends with Eddington's pioneering studies of the internal constitution of stars. Comprehensive, well-written and full of small, revealing details that attest to the scope and depth of the author's learning, this splendid survey belongs in the library o Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38023 The world’s most populous nation views space as an asset, not only from a technological and commercial perspective, but also from a political and militaristic one. The repercussions of this ideology already extend far beyond Washington. China vs. United States offers a glimpse of future Chinese aspirations in space and the politico-militaristic implications of a looming space race, and explains why an interplanetary spaceship called the Tsien Hsue Shen might one day travel to the outer planets. Until China successfully launched taikonauts into orbit, China’s space program had attracted little international attention. The book opens with an analysis of the short fifteen-year history of the China National Space Administration and its long list of accomplishments. Chapter 2 assesses Sino-U.S. technological and commercial interests in space and their implications in fuelling a potential space race. The national security objectives of the U.S. and China are examined, showing how their intentions are increasingly leading to the military integration of space technologies. Chapter 3 describes China’s anxieties about U.S. space power, its obsession with national prestige, and how manned spaceflight is viewed as a crucial element to sustain the legitimacy of the Communist Party. China is currently focusing on similar goals to those of NASA’s Constellation Program - lunar and Mars exploration. The following chapter examines the ambitious plans of both nations, and evaluates whether Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=38009 Planet formation studies uniquely benefit from three disciplines: astronomical observations of extrasolar planet-forming disks, analysis of material from the early Solar System, and laboratory astrophysics experiments. Pre-planetary solids, fine dust, and chondritic components are central elements linking these studies. This book is the first comprehensive overview of planet formation, in which astronomers, cosmochemists, and laboratory astrophysicists jointly discuss the latest insights from the Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes, new interferometers, space missions including Stardust and Deep Impact, and laboratory techniques. Following the evolution of solids from their genesis through protoplanetary disks to rocky planets, the book discusses in detail how the latest results from these disciplines fit into a coherent picture. This volume pres a clear introduction and valuable reference for students and researchers in astronomy, cosmo, laboratory astrophysics, and planetary sciences. • Astronomers, cosmochemists, and laboratory astrophysicists come together in the first comprehensive overview of planet formation • The latest insights from the Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes, new interferometers, space missions including Stardust and Deep Impact, and laboratory techniques are discussed • Follows the evolution of solids from their genesis through protoplanetary disks to rocky planets Contents Preface; 1. Planet formation and protoplanetary dust Daniel Apai and Dan Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37968 "Astrophysics Updates" is intended to serve the information needs of professional astronomers and postgraduate students about areas of astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology that are rich and active research spheres. Observational methods and the latest results of astronomical research are presented as well as their theoretical foundations and interrelations. The contributed commissioned articles are written by leading exponents in a format that will appeal to professional astronomers and astrophysicists who are interested in topics outside their own specific areas of research. This collection of timely reviews may also attract the interest of advanced amateur astronomers seeking scientifically rigorous coverage. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37943 Like no other telescope ever invented, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has given us magnificent high resolution views of the gigantic cosmic collisions between galaxies. Hubble's images are snapshots in time and catch the colliding galaxies in different stages of collision. Thanks to a new and amazing set of 60 Hubble images, for the first time these different stages can be put together to form a still-frame movielike montage showing the incredible processes taking place as galaxies collide and merge. The significance of these cosmic encounters reaches far beyond aesthetics. Galaxy mergers may, in fact, be some of the most important processes that shape our universe. Colliding galaxies very likely, hold some of the most important clues to our cosmic past and to our destiny. It now seems clear that the Milky Way is continuously undergoing merging events, some small scale, others on a gigantic scale. And the importance of this process in the lives of galaxies is much greater than what was previously thought. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37934 Long out of print, the much-loved autobiography of celebrated comet-hunter Leslie Peltier is being reissued on the 100th anniversary of his birth. In a career spanning six decades and using telescopes from 2 to 12 inches in diameter, Peltier discovered a dozen comets and six novae and made more than 100,000 observations of variable stars. In Starlight Nights he recalls these achievements and reflects on the meaning of observational astronomy as well as all of nature. This new edition features an introduction by Sky and Telescope magazine contributing editor David H. Levy plus 16 black-and-white photographs from the Peltier family archives. Summary: A giant of an amateur astronomer, humble and lover of simple life Rating: 5 A classic wonderful book by Leslie C Peltier and forward by David H Levy. 240 pages and a few nice family pictures. An easy read and can be read in 1 day but DONT. Here is a book to savor and take your time with. There are many astronomy books on how to find stars and explaining them but here is a book on the love a man has and the why he is interested in Astronomy. Peltier was a giant among amateur astronomers with 12 comets, 6 novas and 132,000 variable star observations. Remember these discoveries were in the early 1900s to mid 1900s before CCD cameras,computer, assisted astronomy software, imaging and giant 30 inch plus amateur scopes. His first telescope was a 2 inch refractor. We see him growing up as a small boy on the farm and his love Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37904 Supersymmetry (SUSY) offers the possibility of solving a number of theoretical problems of the Standard Model (SM). Thus the cancelations implied by the bose-fermi symmetry resolves the gauge hierarchy problem, allowing one to consider models at energies all the way up to the GUT or Planck scale. Further, using the SUSY SM particle spectrum with one pair of Higgs doublets. (pairs of Higgs doublets are needed on theoretical grounds to cancel anomalies and on phenomenological grounds to give rise to both u and d quark masses) the renormalization group equations (RGE) show that grand unification of the SM gauge coupling constants occurs at MG 21 10l6 GeV opening up the possibility of SUSY GUT models. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37903 While there has long been theoretical speculation concerning the early life of stars, the subject first became an empirical one in the middle of the last century. Starting in the 1940s, the T Tauri class of objects, residing within dark clouds, was recognized and subsequently examined in considerable detail. This interest stemmed from the gradual realization that these peculiar variables represent a primitive phase of solar-type stars. It also became apparent that the observed objects must have condensed out of the dark clouds in which they are presently still found. By the mid 1950s, theorists began constructing numerical models for the pre-main-sequence evolutionary phase. The following decade saw advances in understanding the basic physics of cloud collapse. The pace of discovery accelerated rapidly in the 1970s, largely as a result of new instrumentation. The advent of infrared astronomy allowed observers to peer behind the thick veil of obscuring dust and view even younger objects. Millimeter dishes, X-ray telescopes, and sensitive array detectors in the optical and near-infrared all had major impacts. Meanwhile, theoretical research kept apace, with studies of everything from chemical reaction networks in cloud environments to the interiors of the youngest stars. By the 1980s, star formation became one of the most vigorous areas of astronomical research. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37688 The European expansion around the globe, which began in the sixteenth century, carried with it new conceptions of knowledge itself. Francis Bacon famously asserted that 'knowledge is power' this book attempts to go beneath the oft quoted slogan to see the various ways in which this conviction played itself out in shaping new perceptions of what natural knowledge was, and what it was good for, in this crucial period. Peter Dear covers the key figures of the period, including Galileo, Copernicus, Kepler and Newton and the important schools of thought to create a picture of the development of scientific thought in early modern Europe. The book is accessible to an undergraduate and lay readership, while drawing on recent scholarship to provide an understanding of the cultural foundations of the modern scientific project. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37682 To commemorate the momentous 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s pioneering journey into space on 12th April 2011, a series of five books – to be published annually until 2011 – will explore this half century, decade by decade, to discover how humanity’s knowledge of flying, working and living in space has changed. Each volume will focus not only upon the individual missions within ‘its’ decade, but also upon the key challenges facing human space exploration at specific points within those 50 years: from the simple problems of breathing and eating in space to the challenges of venturing outside in a pressurised spacesuit and locomotion on the Moon. The first volume of this series will focus upon the 1960s, exploring each mission from April 1961 to April 1971 in depth: from the pioneering Vostok flights to the establishment of the first Salyut space station and from Alan Shepard’s modest sub-orbital ‘hop’ into space to his triumphant arrival at the Moon’s Fra Mauro foothills almost a decade later. The Introduction sets the scene with early plans to explore space, balloon flights and such details as the development of pressure suits. Each of the Vostok missions is then covered in depth, together with unmanned precursor flights, subsequent plans and the development of Voskhod. Chapter 2 studies the Mercury missions together with unmanned and monkey flights, the development of the Redstone and Atlas boosters and the ill-fated Dyna-Soar, while the twin Voskhod missions, inclu Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37622 Constants, such as the gravitational constant and the speed of light, are present in all the laws of physics. Recent observations have cast doubt on one of them. Does this mean that the structure of physics will crumble? Are we seeing the dawn of a scientific revolution? This book is written in the form of an enquiry into the importance of a possible variation in fundamental constants. Jean-Philippe Uzan and Benedicte Leclercq ask such questions as: What is a constant? What role do constants play in the laws of physics? How can we verify that they are indeed constants? The authors take us though the history of the ideas of physics, evoking major discoveries from Galileo and Newton to Planck and Einstein and raising questions provoked by ever more current accurate observations. They approach physics by way of its constants in order to distinguish the fundamental from the particular, and to recognise different physical forces, but these cannot be drawn together into one unique force, as those seeking a unified theory would like. The book shows how the development of theories leads to simplification, analogy and the regrouping of phenomena. It describes how physicists seek to explain why the world is as it is and why can they cannot explain the values of the mass of elementary particles such as the electron and the proton. The authors ask if we can have confidence in the promising theory of superstrings, which would reinterpret these particles as states of vibration of the s Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37613 The two volumes that comprise Quantum Cosmology tackle the quantum description of the early universe from the perspective of supersymmetric models of elementary particle physics. The first volume is an accessible primer that covers the basics of the field, critically discussing ideas and concepts that comprise our current knowledge of supersymmetry and supergravity. After reviewing the fundamentals, it provides a thorough analysis of a first set of quantum cosmological models. The second volume is dedicated to more advanced topics. In it, the scope for analyzing quantum cosmological models within a supersymmetric framework is broadened. As much as possible, these two volumes treat what we know, what we think we know and what we think we do not know on an equal footing. Complete with problems and solutions for each chapter, the books are ideal for young, inquisitive minds eager to embark on in-depth research in this field. They provide readers with the tools they need to go on their own, pushing them to ask the right questions rather than seek definitive answers. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37277 Cosmology is a title in the new Cambridge Advanced Sciences series. It has been developed specifically for the new specifications for Advanced Level Physics for teaching from September 2000. Cosmology has been endorsed by OCR for use with the OCR Physics specification A. It provides full coverage of the Physics option module of the same name. In combination with other books in the series it provides full coverage of the Advanced Level specifications. Learning objectives are clearly defined, so that students know exactly what they need to learn. Self-assessment questions (with answers) and exam-style end-of-chapter exercises offer excellent opportunities for independent study. Chapter introductions and summaries provide the basis for structured revision. Full-colour illustration and student-friendly design make the science accessible to all. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37194 Not all amateur astronomers who live in a suburban location realize just how very effective a ‘chilled-chip’ astronomical CCD-camera and software can be at cutting through seemingly impenetrable light-pollution. CCD Astrophotography from the Suburbs details one man’s approach to the problem of getting high-quality astronomical images under light-polluted conditions. Adam Stuart has written this reference book for all amateur astronomers who are interested in CCD imaging, especially those who have to work under suburban conditions. The book outlines the materials and (commercially-available) equipment used for high-quality imaging. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=37124 This volume is the second edition of Adventures in Celestial Mechanics published by Victor G. Szebehely in 1989 at the University of Texas Press. The subject of this edition is the same as the previous one which was to quote the earlier introduction “to study the motion of natural and artificial bodies in space.” The work is still intended as a textbook for a first course in orbital mechanics and spacecraft dynamics and we have attempted to produce a second edition that maintains the spirit of the first. This was also stated succinctly in the introduction of the first edition: “fundamental ideas will be emphasized and will not be cluttered up with details that are available in the immense literature of this field.” Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36929 On the cover: Theories and beliefs about the cosmos have been nearly as vast as the universe itself, covering everything from the birth of a single star to the discovery of objects such as the Galaxy Triplet ARP 274 (pictured). From Introduction: Early theories of the universe depicted Earth as a pillar at the center of everything, around which the Sun, Moon, and planets circled. The Greeks were experts at geography—they calculated the radius of Earth by using the Sun— and mathematics, but they used reason to avoid coming to some obvious conclusions. By the time of Aristotle (384–322 BCE), hundreds of years later, they believed Earth was in the shape of a ball, but still thought that the Sun, stars, and planets passed around Earth. Aristotle believed that there could only be a fi nite number of stars, because they all passed around Earth every 24 hours. ... Scientists now believe that about a quarter of the total energy density of the universe is composed of dark matter. ... The totality of the universe is perhaps unknowable. But the theories, beliefs, and laws examined in this book—which represent the life’s work of many incredible individuals—offer the best understanding humankind has been able to achieve thus far. It is awe-inspiring to ponder what advances the dreamers and visionaries of the 21st century will bring. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36927 This book will be a key trailblazer in a new and upcoming field. The author’s predictive approach relies on simple and intuitive probability formulations that will appeal to readers with a modest knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and statistics. Wells’ carefully erected theory stands on a sure footing and thus should serve as the basis of many rational predictions of survival in the face of natural disasters such as hits by asteroids or comets in the coming years. Any formula for predicting human survival will invite controversy. Dr Wells counters anticipated criticism with a thorough approach in which four lines of reasoning are used to arrive at the same survival formula. One uses empirical survival statistics for business firms and stage shows. Another is based on uncertainty of risk rates. The third, more abstract, invokes Laplace’s principle of insufficient reason and involves an observer’s random arrival in the lifetime of the entity (the human race) in question. The fourth uses Bayesian theory. The author carefully explains and gives examples of the conditions under which his principle is valid and provides evidence that can counteract the arguments of critics who would reject it entirely. His deflection of possible criticisms results from two major premises: selecting the proper random variable and “reference class” to make predictions, and the recognition that if one does not know the law that governs a process, then the best prediction that can be made is his Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36880 From Fossils to Astrobiology reviews developments in paleontology and geobiology that relate to the rapidly-developing field of Astrobiology, the study of life in the Universe. Many traditional areas of scientific study, including astronomy, chemistry and planetary science, contribute to Astrobiology, but the study of the record of life on planet Earth is critical in guiding investigations in the rest of the cosmos. In this varied book, expert scientists from 15 countries present peer-reviewed, stimulating reviews of paleontological and astrobiological studies. The overviews of established and emerging techniques for studying modern and ancient microorganisms on Earth and beyond, will be valuable guides to evaluating biosignatures which could be found in the extraterrestrial surface or subsurface within the Solar System and beyond. This volume also provides discussion on the controversial reports of “nanobacteria” in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. It is a unique volume among Astrobiology monographs in focusing on fossil evidence from the geological record and will be valuable to students and researchers alike. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36861 This practical handbook for Space Mission Engineering draws on leading aerospace experts to carry readers through mission design, from orbit selection to ground ops. SMAD III updates the technology, provides greater emphasis on small spacecraft design and the cost-reduction process, and includes more detail on multi-satellite manufacturing, space computers, payload design and autonomous systems. Summary: space mission analysis and design Rating: 3 The third edition falls short of the information provided in the second edition. The third edition lacks the detail on thermal radiation and conditions that was included in the second edition . ( see chapter 11.5). It appears to me that the 3rd edition is more a generalization and discussion, rather than providing a detail method of analysis for a space mission. If possible , I would like to return my copy of the 3rd edition for a copy of the second edition. Thank you. L. Rosenman Summary: a good introduction to space Rating: 5 this book was recommended by my professor and i received in about a week in standard shipping Summary: space mission analysis Rating: 5 the book is grt and is highly recommended for all the people who wants to study space craft system .It is the bible for space mission studies Summary: My Most-Used Astronautics Reference Book Rating: 5 Over 5 years as an aerospace engineer at Boeing and Lockheed Martin, I have used this book far more than any other for astronautics. This is not onl Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36705 In Space Debris Models and Risk Analysis the authors will provide the reader with a comprehensive background to understand the various sources of space debris, and to assess associated risks due to the current and future space debris environment. Apart from the non-trackable objects produced by historic on-orbit fragmentation events, several other sources of space debris will be outlined. Models will be described to allow the generation and propagation of the different debris families and permit the assessment of the associated collision risk on representative target orbits for present and future conditions. Using traffic models and possible mitigation practices, the future evolution of the space debris environment will be forecast. For large-size, trackable objects methods will be described for conjunction event predictions and related risk assessments. For hazardous re-entry objects, procedures will be outlined to enable the prediction of re-entry times and likely impact areas, to assess uncertainties in these factors, and to quantify the risk due to ground impact. Models will also be described for meteoroids, which prevail over space debris at small particle sizes. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36608 Fully updated with data from space-based observations and a comprehensive index and bibliography, this third edition contains the most frequently used information in modern astrophysics. As well as a vast number of tables, graphs, diagrams and formulae it also contains information covering topics including atomic physics, nuclear physics, relativity, plasma physics, electromagnetism, mathematics, probability and statistics, and geophysics. This handbook will be an essential reference for graduate students, researchers and professionals working in astronomy and the space sciences. A website containing extensive supplementary information and databases can be found at www.cambridge.org/9780521782425. Summary: A great reference book Rating: 5 This is the third edition of Zombeck’s excellent handbook – and it was long overdue. It is an invaluable resource for students and academics in the field of space science and astrophysics. The layout is clean and information is easy to find. As well as covering all the standard topics one might expect in such a book, there are some interesting extras such as permissible raditation doses. Be warned though, there are relatively few explanations in here so it is not a book for the general public – you really have to know the subject matter. Summary: A reference for modern Space Scientists Rating: 5 This book is meant to be like the C.R.C. Mathematics Tables that many of us have carried since high school. Starting with fundamen Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT http://www.freebookspot.in/Comments.aspx?Element_ID=36606 Black Holes are still considered to be among the most mysterious and fascinating objects in our universe. Awaiting the era of gravitational astronomy, much progress in theoretical modeling and understanding of classical and quantumblack holes has already been achieved. The present volume serves as a tutorial, high-level guided tour through the black-hole landscape: information paradox and blackhole thermodynamics, numerical simulations of black-hole formation and collisions, braneworld scenarios and stability ofblack holes with respect to perturbations are treated in great detail, as is their possible occurrence at the LHC. An outgrowth of a topical and tutorial summer school, this extensive set of carefully edited notes has been set up with the aim of constituting an advanced-level, multi-authored textbook which meets the needs of both postgraduate students and young researchers in the fields of modern cosmology, astrophysics and (quantum) field theory. Read more...
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:03:10 GMT