Redshift Blueshift

The first aliens to arrive on planet Earth were the Dorts. They were amoebalike and frighteningly large, but they did favor us with the Theory of Transformationa brilliant advance over prior attempts by theoretical and particle physicists to create the ultimate, Unified Theory of Everything; but like all great theories, even theirs had limitations. Centuries after the first Dorts arrived, Laura Shane was born. She reinterpreted the Dort Theory by giving it the finishing touch of her genius. It led to the faster than light removal of miles-deep, cone-shaped plugs from planet Earth. The latest and largest such Cone carried a crew of thousands. It was named the Great Cone of Transformation. Through his 3T Corporation, Ned Keller directed the creation of Cones. Despite Lauras unease about her first voyage into space, she and Ned went together on the Great Cones maiden mission. Two weeks later they were light years from home when Neds boss, Jack Lewis, arrived to inform them of an event on Earth with implications for their mission. Unfortunately his concern did not include awareness of what those implications might be; but they were already in peril. It was sabotagethe first in a series of calamities. Before the final calamity began to close in on them (the Big Rip, set to destroy the entire local multiverse) and before Jacks recent arrival, it was still teatime on the Great Cone. Laura and Ned were having a pleasant morning beside her pool. The story begins there, with our attractive young genius sipping tea and deep in thought about her bewildering circumstances and the unchanged perception of all the things around her. Ned was reading comfortably in a nearby lounge chair. Now and then hed look up to speak of love, while shamelessly admiring her long and lovely legs.

This fully revised and updated text is a comprehensive introduction to astronomical objects and phenomena. By applying some basic physical principles to a variety of situations, students will learn how to relate everyday physics to the astronomical world. Starting with the simplest objects, the text contains explanations of how and why astronomical phenomena occur, and how astronomers collect and interpret information about stars, galaxies and the solar system. The text looks at the properties of stars, star formation and evolution; neutron stars and black holes; the nature of galaxies; and the structure of the universe. It examines the past, present and future states of the universe; and final chapters use the concepts that have been developed to study the solar system, its formation; the possibility of finding other planetary systems; and the search for extraterrestrial life. This comprehensive text contains useful equations, chapter summaries, worked examples and end-of-chapter problem sets.

Discover the undiscovered with this jargon-free introduction to astrophysics Astronomy is the study of what you see in the sky. Physics is the study of how things work. Astrophysics is the study of how things in the sky work, from large objects to tiny particles. Astrophysics For Dummies breaks it all down for you, making this difficult but fascinating topic accessible to anyone. Tracking the topics covered in a typical undergraduate astrophysics class, this book will teach you the essential pieces to understanding our universe. Get ready to launch into outer space with this ever-changing branch of science. Discover the latest advances in the world of astrophysics Understand how and why galaxies form and evolve Find out the origins of cosmic rays Get a standalone primer on the science or supplement your astrophysics course Students in introductory astrophysics courses and would-be astronomy buffs who want to better understand the mechanics of the universe will love Astrophysics For Dummies.

Tribology of Graphene: Simulation Methods, Preparation Methods, and Their Applications provides an exhaustive reference guide on the tribology of graphene-based materials. The book begins with a discussion on the selection of the proper graphene-based material and then segues into how to choose a deposition method, how to control of its structure and properties, and the most effective working conditions and applications. The latest developments in theoretical simulations of graphene friction, preparation methods, and effective applications are all reviewed, as are the ways various graphene coatings can be successfully employed to decrease friction and wear in nano-, micro- and macro-mechanical applications. Synthesizes the broad current research in tribological applications of graphene all in one place Covers theoretical simulations and preparation methods, including insights on how to put them into practice, allowing for quicker and more effective selection of graphene-based material Provides a broader perspective by discussing both graphene-based composites and additives

In Newton's classical mechanics, time played the role of a monotonically increasing evolution parameter. Einstein rejected the Newtonian concept and instead identified time as the fourth coordinate of a space-time four-vector. Today, scientists are considering different concepts of time as a means of resolving incompatibilities between relativity and quantum mechanics. Some view time as an emergent property of a system rather than a fundamental property, while others consider two temporal variables. The purpose of this book is to examine the role of time in modern physics so that the reader gains an increased awareness of time and its place in our understanding of nature.

Relativistic Flight Mechanics and Space Travel is about the fascinating prospect of future human space travel. Its purpose is to demonstrate that such ventures may not be as difficult as one might believe and are certainly not impossible. The foundations for relativistic flight mechanics are provided in a clear and instructive manner by using well established principles which are used to explore space flight possibilities within and beyond our galaxy. The main substance of the book begins with a background review of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity as it pertains to relativistic flight mechanics and space travel. The book explores the dynamics and kinematics of relativistic space flight from the point of view of the astronauts in the spacecraft and compares these with those observed by earth's scientists and engineers-differences that are quite surprising. A quasi historical treatment leads quite naturally into the central subject areas of the book where attention is focused on various issues not ordinarily covered by such treatment. To accomplish this, numerous simple thought experiments are used to bring rather complicated subject matter down to a level easily understood by most readers with an engineering or science background. The primary subjects regarding photon rocketry and space travel are covered in some depth and include a flight plan together with numerous calculations represented in graphical form. A geometric treatment of relativistic effects by using Minkowski diagrams is included for completeness. The book concludes with brief discussions of other prospective, even exotic, transport systems for relativistic space travel. A glossary and simple end-of-chapter problems with answers enhance the learning process.

Delineating the huge strides taken in cosmology in the past ten years, this much-anticipated second edition of Malcolm Longair's highly appreciated textbook has been extensively and thoroughly updated. It tells the story of modern astrophysical cosmology from the perspective of one of its most important and fundamental problems – how did the galaxies come about? Longair uses this approach to introduce the whole of what may be called "classical cosmology". What’s more, he describes how the study of the origin of galaxies and larger-scale structures in the Universe has provided us with direct information about the physics of the very early Universe.

Winner of the Gival Press Novel Award When a prisoner in an unnamed labor camp finds his journal of memories taken from his cell, he sets out to console himself and perhaps find in his past a way to reclaim his freedom by again writing down what he can remember. As the prisoner writes and passes through the vivid world of a distant life, he is eventually confronted by a strange memory that, if true, questions the reliability of his memories and whether what he remembers was really his own life or, somehow, someone else's.