The Earth As A Distant Planet

In The Earth as a Distant Planet, the authors become external observers of our solar system from a distance and try to determine how one can understand how Earth, the third in distance to the central star, is essentially unique and capable of sustaining life. The knowledge gained from this original perspective is then applied to the search for other planets outside the solar system, or exoplanets. Since the discovery in 1992 of the first exoplanet, the number of planet detections has increased exponentially and ambitious missions are already being planned for the future. The exploration of Earth and the rest of the rocky planets are Rosetta stones in classifying and understanding the multiplicity of planetary systems that exist in our galaxy. In time, statistics on the formation and evolution of exoplanets will be available and will provide vital information for solving some of the unanswered questions about the formation, as well as evolution of our own world and solar system. Special attention is paid to the biosignatures (signs of life) detectable in the Earth's reflected spectra and the search for life in the universe. The authors are experts on the subject of extrasolar planets. They provide an introductory but also very much up-to-date text, making this book suitable for researchers and for advanced students in astronomy and astrophysics.

The Mayans knew of its great destructive power, the Angry One they had called it.'JAMES HOLLINS has been wrong before and it cost him his reputation. In fact, it is why he now holds the job that nobody wants; isolated, pushed aside and forgotten about: an astronomer at the Armstrong Observatory on the Moon. As he carries out his duties, he soon discovers that the rogue planemo, Ronin, a drifter through space, is heading towards our solar system. But, with his credibility in tatters and the ridicule still felt after his false data detected an asteroid heading for Earth ten years ago, who can he make listen?Hollins manages to transfer all of the information to a childhood friend, one of the president's aides, but when she is involved in a car accident before she can deliver the message, it becomes clear that someone on Earth is already aware of the situation and they would rather nobody else found out. This is confirmed when the comms system is destroyed and all contact between the Moon and Earth is severed. With no way of warning Earth of its fate, all attention is turned to The Ark Project.

Modern Physics with Modern Computational Methods, Third Edition presents the ideas that have shaped modern physics and provides an introduction to current research in the different fields of physics. Intended as the text for a first course in modern physics following an introductory course in physics with calculus, the book begins with a brief and focused account of experiments that led to the formulation of the new quantum theory, while ensuing chapters go more deeply into the underlying physics. In this new edition, the differential equations that arise are converted into sets of linear equation or matrix equations by making a finite difference approximation of the derivatives or by using the spline collocation method. MATLAB programs are described for solving the eigenvalue equations for a particle in a finite well and the simple harmonic oscillator and for solving the radial equation for hydrogen. The lowest-lying solutions of these problems are plotted using MATLAB and the physical significance of these solutions are discussed. Each of the later chapters conclude with a description of modern developments. Makes critical topics accessible by illustrating them with simple examples and figures Presents modern quantum mechanical concepts systematically and applies them consistently throughout the book Utilizes modern computational methods with MATLAB programs to solve the equations that arise in physics, and describes the programs and solutions in detail Covers foundational topics, including transition probabilities, crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, and Bloch theorem to build understanding of applications, such as lasers and semiconductor devices Features expanded exercises and problems at the end of each chapter as well as multiple appendices for quick reference

The second edition of Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers is intended for a first course in modern physics. Beginning with a brief and focused account of the historical events leading to the formulation of modern quantum theory, later chapters delve into the underlying physics. Streamlined content, chapters on semiconductors, Dirac equation and quantum field theory, as well as a robust pedagogy and ancillary package, including an accompanying website with computer applets, assist students in learning the essential material. The applets provide a realistic description of the energy levels and wave functions of electrons in atoms and crystals. The Hartree-Fock and ABINIT applets are valuable tools for studying the properties of atoms and semiconductors. Develops modern quantum mechanical ideas systematically and uses these ideas consistently throughout the book Carefully considers fundamental subjects such as transition probabilities, crystal structure, reciprocal lattices, and Bloch theorem which are fundamental to any treatment of lasers and semiconductor devices Clarifies each important concept through the use of a simple example and often an illustration Features expanded exercises and problems at the end of each chapter Offers multiple appendices to provide quick-reference for students

A readily comprehensible guide for biologists, field taxonomists and interested laymen to one of the oldest problems in biology: the species problem. Written by a geneticist with extensive experience in field taxonomy, this practical book provides the sound scientific background to the problems arising with classifying organisms according to species. It covers the main current theories of specification and gives a number of examples that cannot be explained by any single theory alone.

Through a short story I will provide answers to some questions that many of us are asking about our Universe. And in particular, I will explain where would be the missing mass of the Universe (the Dark Matter) and what would be the Dark Energy and the Dark Matter. I will also discuss what happens inside a black-hole when a planet is sucked in: I have broken down the global movement into two separate movements... I have analyzed the consequences of my analysis on black-holes for our Universe and the conclusions are very interesting! My analysis allowed me to address the following points: the Energy Density of the Vacuum of the space, the Cosmological Constant, the Hubble Constant, the expansion of our Universe and the acceleration of this expansion, the compatibility links between my Theory and the current physics, … I have also shown the extraordinary power of the Gravity! And I have also shown that far-away travels into the space would be possible, in agreement with my Theory, by reducing the number of obstacles! Finally, I have mentioned the new questions that arise when some answers are found... and in particular what technology to make a spacecraft that could go at a speed close to the speed of light?

In 1995 two Swiss astronomers discovered a planet circling a star other than our Sun. This changed our perception of the Universe forever, proving that Earth and the other celestial bodies in our Solar System are not alone in outer space. Now, after two decades of exploration, more than 860 planets have been discovered, many of which are completely unlike anything else we know. Some are blacker than coal; some are bathed in molten lava; others are perpetually scoured by hurricane-force winds; some have not one sun but two that rise in the morning, and others are perpetually drowned in global oceans. But as well as strange, uninhabitable lands, there is familiarity too. Some of these alien worlds are strikingly similar to planets in our Solar System. Astronomers now know of planets just like Jupiter, Neptune, Mars and Mercury orbiting stars similar to our Sun, both nearby and deep into space. Authoritatively written and fully up to date on this fast-moving area of science, The Search for the Earth's Twin will take you on a journey through the cosmos via frozen wastelands, slow-moving globes and fiery volcanic bodies, to planets that can - and just might - sustain complex life. The prospect of discovering the Earth's twin is now tantalisingly close.