How Space Physics Really Works

Lessons from Well-Constructed Science Fiction
2023
ISBN: 978-3-031-33949-3
Verlag: Springer

Buch, Englisch, 151 Seiten, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 235 mm, Gewicht: 283 g

Reihe: Science and Fiction

There is a huge gulf between the real physics of space travel and the way it is commonly portrayed in movies and TV shows. That’s not because space physics is difficult or obscure – most of the details were understood by the end of the 18th century – but because it can often be bafflingly counter-intuitive for a general audience. The purpose of this book isn’t to criticize or debunk popular sci-fi depictions, which can be very entertaining, but to focus on how space physics really works. This is done with the aid of numerous practical illustrations taken from the works of serious science fiction authors – from Jules Verne and Arthur C. Clarke to Larry Niven and Andy Weir – who have taken positive pleasure in getting their scientific facts right.

Zielgruppe

Popular/general

Autoren/Hrsg.

May, Andrew

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Physik Mechanik Kontinuumsmechanik, Strömungslehre
• Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Astrophysik
• Naturwissenschaften Physik Angewandte Physik Astrophysik

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Chapter 1: Physics in Science Fiction.- Chapter 2: Gravity.- Chapter 3: Orbital Dynamics.- Chapter 4: Rocket Science.- Chapter 5: Living in a Vacuum.

Über Autor(innen)

Andrew May obtained a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Manchester and is an experienced and versatile professional, with a career spanning academia, government and private industry. Since 2011 he has been working as a freelance writer. He has a wide range of interests and has written both authoritatively and entertainingly on the physical sciences, military technology, British history, science fiction, New Age beliefs and the paranormal. He has published with Springer: (2017), The Telescopic Tourist's Guide to the Moon (2017),  (2018), (2019) and (2022).