Book Description

Do you know:
what might happen if you fall into a black hole?
that the Universe does not have an edge?
that the reason it gets dark at night is proof of the Big Bang?
that cosmic particles time-travel through the atmosphere defying death?
that our past, present and future might all coexist "out there"?

With two remarkable ideas Albert Einstein revolutionized our view of the Universe. His first was that nothing can travel faster than light - the ultimate speed limit. This simple fact leads to the unavoidable conclusion that space and time must be linked together, forever as Spacetime.

With his second monumental insight Einstein showed how Spacetime is warped and stretched by the gravity of all objects in the Universe and even punctured by black holes. But such possible twisting of Spacetime allowed a magic not even Einstein could have imagined: time-travel.

Theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili finally lays science fiction to rest as he opens up Einstein's Universe. Leading us gently and light-heartedly through the dizzying world of our space and time, he ultimately gives us the recipe for a possible time machine, capable of taking us Back to the Future, to Alice's Wonderland or on a trip with the Terminator. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Best book on the topic
I'm very much interested in Astronomy, Cosmology and how life started on earth and have a reasonable collection. I can definitely say THIS is the best book I've ever read. One of the great features of this book is that the author has explained complex and difficult concepts VERY simply - with real-time examples. You need not to have physics or maths background to understand the topics. Dimensions, Time, Shape/Size/Fate of the universe, Black holes, Time travelling .... latest info about these all are explained such a way that as you read, you absorb it. Would you believe I finished 300 pages in 12 days, even though I'm an IT professional!

MUST-READ book for those interested in the similar topics.

Fun and interesting to read!
This book is very well written with amazing examples to aid the reader with such complex topics
as general relativity and quantum mechanics which can be quite confusing at first glance. I am
sure to read this again as to gain a further grasp on the subjects in this addicting book that I had a
hard time putting down. It is fascinating thoughtful, thought provoking, and pleasing to read at
the same time, with many ties to popular culture and up to date physics. I must also admit that
this book made me look up to the night sky several times after I read it and in my opinion is a
great read for the physicist and non physicist alike! The author has a knack for explaining complex
ideas that involve the vastness of the universe and the tiniest theories of Quantum mechanics with
clarity and insight. This is a good one to add to the library which I will for sure pull out of mine
several times for future reference.

Wonderful
Mr. Khalili combines a deep understanding of his subject matter with the rare ability to present it clearly in terms understandable to the layman.

This Book Is Mindblowing!
As long ago as I can remember, I have been interested in the way that the universe was created and the way it works. This book has all the answers that I've been searching for these long years. Jim Al-Khalili cuts through the big words and incomprehensible scientific lingo and gets straight to the point. As a student of cosmotology myself, I didn't need to have things spelled out in such a condescending manner, but others who read this book and have low IQ test scores will find it very helpful.

A Must for Anyone Interested In Cosmology
I read a this and was overwhelmed. At times it reaches the greatness of Hawking's "A Brief History Of Time".
Popular science does't come much better! ... Read more

Book Description

Our Worlds provides a rare "insider" look into the universe and planetary science during the current golden age of space exploration. Readers are guided on an exciting voyage of discovery by eight distinguished researchers who explore the universe with cutting edge techniques. From Chief Scientist on NASA's New Millennium Program Ellen Stofan to planetary theorist Bill McKinnon, each writes from a personal point of view, sharing to the fullest the science and emotion found in the most enticing discoveries and the wonders of the solar system. This volume gives readers an up-close view of Mars, Venus, and the Moon; a trip with Halley's Comet; a visit to the moons of Io, Titan, and Triton; and the ability to experience asteroids in their natural element. Coverage details the most current knowledge of the solar system learned from space missions, including Magellan and Galileo. This volume fully captures the breadth of planetary science, from inner to outer worlds, from telescopic to robotic exploration, and provides an unique glimpse into the drives and interests of the men and women behind the science.It is the most encompassing book on the subject to date and will interest anyone who looks at the night sky and wonders what it would feel like to be able to get a closer look. Alan Stern is a planetary scientist and astrophysicist with both observational and theoretical interests.He is the leader of the Southwest Research Institute's Geophysical, Astrophysical, and Planetary Science group located in Boulder, CO. ... Read more

Book Description

This new book is drawn from the author?s years of experience in spacecraft design, culminating in his leadership of the Magellan Venus orbiter spacecraft design from concept through launch. The book also benefits from his years of teaching spacecraft design at University of Colorado at Boulder and as a popular home study short course for AIAA.

The book presents a broad view of the complete spacecraft.The objective is to explain the thought and analysis that go into the creation of a spacecraft with simplicity and with enough worked examples so that the reader can be self taught if necessary.After studying the book, readers should be able to design a spacecraft, to the phase A level, by themselves.

Everyone who works in or around the spacecraft industry should know this much about the entire machine. ... Read more

Book Description

Gordon Cooper was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts, a select group of the nation's top military test pilots who braved the frontiers of space in the days when strapping yourself to a rocket meant you would be either a hundred miles up or six feet under. Today he is undeniably a part of our nation's history as one of the four surviving Mercury Seven space pioneers. In Leap of Faith, Cooper not only reveals compellingly what went on behind the scenes of the early U.S. space program, but he also takes dead aim at the next millennium of space travel with his strong views on the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence--and even the distinct possibility that we have already had contact.

During his distinguished military flying career, Cooper was one of the best of the best at Edwards Air Force Base, where the setting of world records for speed, endurance, and altitude was an everyday occurrence. Even before joining this nation's newly formed manned space program, he understood the dangerous nature of new technologies: hanging it over the edge and pushing the envelope, then hauling it back in and doing it again tomorrow.

"Gordo" Cooper learned to fly with his father at age eight in his hometown of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and soloed by the time he was twelve. As an impressionable boy, he met overnight visitors to the Cooper household, including famous aviators like Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post, which only heightened his desire to take to the skies.

Ride with Cooper through his adventurous life in the cockpits of planes and spacecraft alike--he was the last American to go into space alone, exactly thirty-five years ago. He flew in Mercury and Gemini, and served as head of flight crew operations for both Apollo and Skylab, America's first orbiting space station. He was also backup command pilot for Apollo X and directed design input changes for the space shuttle program. He was buddies with Gus Grissom, who died in the tragic Apollo I fire at Cape Canaveral, and was close to Wernher von Braun, the German rocket scientist who was responsible for the United States beating Russia into space, and then to the Moon. Through it all, Cooper, a hero who shuns the label, speaks candidly of his defeats as well as his accomplishments. His life is a tapestry of space travel in the twentieth century.

And beyond. From a source as credible as Gordo Cooper come these claims: He innocently took revealing pictures of the mysterious Area 51 during his Gemini mission and ended up in the White House speaking about it to the president of the United States; he and other military pilots have chased unidentified aircraft in their Jets; and footage of UFOs taken by his film crew was confiscated by the government, all part of the U.S. military's long-time UFO cover-up.

Buckle yourself in and prepare for a wild ride; Leap of Faith takes you places you have never been before---and with Cooper's firm hand at the controls. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Earth to Gordo ... Earth to Gordo ... please come home
Gordon Cooper's accounts of the early Mercury program days are a good read. Cooper covers material that will largely be familiar to readers of other space program books, but adds his own unique perspective and insight. For this reason alone, the book is worth a read.

Cooper speaks frankly to the now-famous story that he encountered a UFO during his flight of Faith 7; it never happened, he says. But there are other things he's seen as a pilot that he can't explain -- things that he describes as being not-of-this-world.

From there, the author loses credibility quickly when he begins to talk about his attempts to unravel the UFO mystery with his clairvoyant sidekick. The reader is left with the impression that not all of Gordo made it back from orbit.

Still, the book is worth a read, and the history (or Cooper's version of it) is an important piece of the story of man's race to the moon.

One too many trips around the Earth
The first part of this book is interesting. The whole Mercury program, the behind the scenes politicing, the trips into space. And then the book gets weird. It is always interesting when public figures give UFO accounts but it would have been nice to have some backup documentation rather than vague acusations about area-51 and the government hiding things. This government doesn't seem to be able to hide two people making out in an office nevermind capturing space aliens, transporting their ship somewhere, figuring out how it works etc etc. If two people can't keep a secret can the 100's that would have had to be involved in such a coverup keep a secret? Come on folks, this guy appears to have had one too many trips around the planet.

Anyway its light summer reading and like I said, the first part of the book is fine.

Two books in one
Gordon Cooper's book is actually two books in one--one very good, and one very bad. The first is an exciting document about his life as an astronaut. The second, apparently written mostly by contributor Bruce Henderson, concerns his experience with extraterrestrial aliens and the hunt for new energy sources.

In the first book, Cooper recounts his 22-orbit flight aboard his Mercury capsule, Faith 7. It was fascinating reading as he described how, near the end of his flight, the capsule malfunctioned, and the only things left working were his radio and the manual controls. That he made it back to earth safely is a testament to the fighter-pilot can-do nature. Cooper also reveals the internal politics that went on in choosing the flight crews, including why he never got to go to the moon.

This all makes for great reading. Cooper also discusses his belief in UFOs, and tells of his own sightings and top-secret UFO photos, and describes scientifically why a saucer is the ideal shape for an advanced style of aircraft. It's all believable, compelling and wonderful.

But then Cooper begins his post-NASA life, and meets a mysterious woman named Valerie Ransone. This is where the book begins to fall apart. Ransone claims to have telepathic contact with extraterrestrial aliens, and Cooper believes her. She is able to bend spoons, a lá Uri Geller, which Cooper witnesses. She wants to form a partnership with Cooper to develop new sources of infinite energy, aided by their alien friends. In the end, the company fails, and Ransone fades from Cooper's life.

I have to admit, as far fetched as this sounds, I found myself giving Cooper the benefit of the doubt. I respect the opinions of a man with advanced degrees in science, as well as space experience. After all, it is the scientist's job to ask "Why?" in an objective manner.

But this is why the second half of the book fails miserably. We never hear Cooper ask "Why?" He claims that Ransone's spoon bending was not a parlor trick, but how can he be so sure? Uri Geller was revealed as a fraud. If I were a scientist and had people bending spoons in front of me, I would have immediately marched them into a scientifically controlled experiment. But Cooper did no such thing.

At one point, Ransone invites Cooper to go on a genuine flying saucer ride with her alien friends. But at the last minute, the trip is cancelled. BUT OF COURSE. This is always the way these meet-the-aliens stories happen. A big build-up, and then nothing.

The main reason this part of the book is so bad is the narrative voice. Bruce Henderson writes it as if it were a work of fiction, as a melodramatic narrative of Gordo and Valerie's struggles together. And though the objective of their business, Advanced Technology Group, sounds impressive, we never get more than a gloss concerning what they actually did. In the end, Ransone comes off sounding like a nut. And Cooper sounds like he was used.

A number of reviewers have mentioned Leap of Faith's scientific inaccuracies and incorrect facts. The most glaring for me was the mention of the "Saturn VIII," an eight-engine rocket described as the "most powerful rocket ever built by man." But no rocket ever existed. The most powerful rocket ever built was the Saturn V, which had five engines in its first stage. A "Saturn VIII" was never even conceived of or designed, much less built. It's hard to imagine how such an error could have made it into a book written by an astronaut.

I've been trying to understand Gordo's title. It seems to me that this is what Cooper took in writing this book, knowing that his accounts of UFOs and ETs would probably be scoffed at by much of the scientific community. Trouble is, much of his argument is objective and convincing. But the book loses its edge when it stops describing science, and delves into the unexplained without trying to explain it, while reading like a dime-store novel. I'd like to see a sequel in which we hear more from Cooper the scientist, and not some ghostwriter.

Flawed crossbreed of astronaut biography and conspiracy yarn
Colonel Gordon Cooper is one of the Mercury Seven, the first group of American astronauts. A test pilot from Edwards Air Force base, he flew the last and longest of the pioneering Mercury missions, dubbed Faith 7, and later went into space a second time aboard Gemini 5. A maverick at heart, Cooper fell out of favour with some of the NASA higher-ups and left the agency after being denied command of a lunar landing mission.

His autobiography, Leap of Faith, is a surprising and somewhat schizoid read, mixing Cooper's space program experience with increasingly dubious episodes on UFO sightings and telepathy. The overall structure has a stitched-together feel to it, and the last third with Gordo charging off into the world of the paranormal seems to belong to another book entirely. The writing style throughout is average journalist fare - bland vocabulary, repeated words in one sentence -, but not too bad overall.

Cooper's account of the space program offers no startling insights or deep emotional truths; his added personal perspective is interesting enough, though; the actual narrations of the Faith 7 flight, photographing the Himalayas, manual re-entry and all, and the 8-day Gemini mission with Pete Conrad are quite captivating. There is very little in the way of technical detail, some nice stories about training and promotional voyages, the usual photographs, and that's it. All in all, Leap of Faith remains a superficial effort. Gordo's childhood and background, his career before NASA and his family life receive preciously little attention, serving mostly to produce anecdotes or, in the case of his Air Force years, UFO speculations. Disappointing, the more so in light of the following chapters.

When he's denied the chance to command an Apollo mission, Cooper leaves NASA in 1970. Some accounts claim that he was slacking off, that he carried his maverick attitude into training, while others say it was a political decision by astronaut chief Deke Slayton, who wanted to get his friend Al Shepard a flight (Leap of Faith, naturally, supports the latter point of view). It's interesting, in this regard, to compare Slayton's superb and carefully researched autobiography with Cooper's effort.

After retirement, Gordo embarks on a surreal journey of X-fileish proportions, minus the humour: after some time flight testing "saucers" build by a Salt Lake City businessman and UFO believer, he is contacted by a young woman who claims to have telepathic contact with an extraterrestrial intelligence. Naturally, she describes these aliens - the "Universal Intelligence Consortium" - in such unimaginative and naively anthropocentric terms that it merits pity. But Gordo, being attracted to her and all, obviously reasons differently. And so the two spend their time together reconstructing obscure Tesla inventions, until she tells Cooper that he's been selected to take a spin aboard a real alien spaceship. Alas, the mission is scrubbed at the last minute, seemingly due to political struggles between various extraterrestrial factions. Too bad.

At least Gordo is portrayed with a last holdout of scepticism throughout these strange proceedings, and undecided in the end. Ultimately, Leap of Faith merely repeats some of the popular conspiracy theories - Area 51 is there, too -, content to raise supposedly unanswered questions. Still, the example it gives of uncritical thinking and silly (often self-contradictory) logic is troubling. The epilogue, with Cooper talking about the present-day space program and a farewell to his buddy, the late Pete Conrad, comes as quite a relief.

The more so since the book is riddled with a myriad of inaccuracies. To name but two of the most obvious examples, the Saturn V rocket's first stage has five engines, not eight. And Russian Cosmonaut Pavel Belyayev, who went into space but once aboard Voskhod 2, was hardly "a veteran of two spaceflights" when Cooper met him in 1965. As aviation books go, it doesn't get any sloppier than this. Regarding the UFO mutterings, they are rendered even more outlandish - if it were needed - alongside capital mistakes like these.

Natural, perhaps, considering the lesser "conspiracy" fare on the market, although one must feel disappointed to find such yarn in a book carrying the name of Gordon Cooper. The benefit of doubt, mercifully, suggests that a certain Mr. Henderson did the actual writing, but the fact that Gordo obviously didn't bother much with proof-reading is distinctly unimpressive just as well. Especially when working with an author who is truly at odds with looking up basic technical and biographical data. Maverick or not, if you do an autobiography, you might as well do it right.

Still, the okay passages on the space program, with Gordo's refreshing "strap-it-on-and-go" attitude shining through, prevent Leap of Faith from becoming a total disaster. When read like an adventure novel - "The Right Stuff" meets "X-Files" -, the book has some good moments, and the "owns all"-space buff will merrily add it to his collection despite the flaws (he knows where else to find the accurate data, anyway). A less specialised (or less nutty) reader, though, will find the Cooper / Henderson cooperation quite unsatisfying.

A Hero's Significant Life written with Integrity
Just finished reading Gordon Cooper's "Leap of Faith" which I finished in two "sittings"... As a woman who remembers back in the 50's and 60's being in a man's world, I found this book (even with a lot of technology in it) remarkably understandable, interesting, exciting, and profound. Cooper's "straight-arrow" approach to his love of his calling in life, along with open-mindedness and vision, captured my imagination and came as close to feeling "I know this person" more than in most non-fiction books. His story was mixed with human interest, military protocol, politics, courage, intelligence, along with love and respect for his teammates, as well as frustration with self-serving brass, kept my interest in high gear all the way. I learned behind the scenes information, some historical, that was not dipicted in the movie, "The Right Stuff". Towards the end, some of his adventures seemed somewhat surreal, but because of who this person is, I found myself weighing what was and what was not and came to the conclusion it was told with veracity, if not somewhat disappointing. Disappointed not of his writing, but the end result of one of the projects he was involved in and the failure of it due to lack of support from our military and private sector. I don't think anyone reading this book will come away disappointed. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

In January 2004 two NASA spacecraft, making an interplanetary trek to Mars, landed separately on the rocky surface of the red planet. By the end of the month the work of the twin robot geologists, the exploration rovers known as Spirit and Opportunity, had begun. The photos and evidence were exciting; and it seemed there might even be life on the fourth rock from the sun. Illustrated in color, with more than 100 spectacular orbital and surface images from recent probes as well as from NASA spacecraft, the Hubble space telescope, and Earth-based observatories, Michael Hanlon's The Real Mars relates the history of a planet that has piqued human curiosity and study for centuries. Hanlon also visits Mars as it has been imagined in movies and science fiction, illustrating this with film stills, movie posters, book covers, and more. The object of Hanlon's quest is, however, a third or real Mars. He contends that many scientists are currently creating a planet that may be no more real than a movie Mars with often confusing evidence of Earthlike possibilities. This book shows us that, although the journey has been long, we actually still stand at the beginning of a transformative voyage. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For the true Star Wars fan, the Essential Guide to Planets and Moons is crucial. You can keep track of all the places mentioned in the movies, books, and comics with this detailed reference. One hundred locations, from the well-known (Tatooine and Hoth) to the more obscure (J't'p'tan and Taanab), are covered in detail. Each planet, moon, or asteroid is accompanied by information on solar system, terrain, language, and points of interest, along with illustrations of the resident species, intelligent and otherwise. Daniel Wallace investigates each planet's role in the Star Wars saga, while Brandon McKinney and Scott Kolins's comic-style black-and-white drawings help the reader get an idea of what these unique worlds and their inhabitants look like. The Essential Guide series also includes Weapons and Technology, Vehicles and Vessels, and Characters. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Excellent for Star Wars fans
When it comes to science fiction, the Star Wars saga is the best. However, the films themselves give very little information regarding the locales that our beloved characters find themselves exploring. This is a shame, because the planets that occupy everyone's favorite galaxy far far away are nothing short of fascinating. Finally, a book entitled Star Wars - The Essential Guide To Planets And Moons was released! Now, fans would be able to learn about the ever-so awesome places characters in the films travelled to! Read on for my review of this book.

PROS:
-If you're a fan of the Star Wars films, and you're interested in reading about the worlds explored in the classic trilogy, this book will have more than enough information to make you happy. From Luke Skywalker's desert homeplanet of Tatooine to the icy world of Hoth, they're all here.
-The book covers the expanded universe! This means places from the novels, comic books, and video games appear in this book! Even if you're just a fan of the films, the information on the expanded universe will fascinate you.
-This book is readily available in most major bookstores (B. Dalton, Barnes And Noble, Borders, etc.) You shouldn't have any trouble finding it.
-The price for this book is very good, considering all the information it has to offer. This is a worthwhile purchase if you're a Star Wars fan.

CONS:
-The major problem with this book is that it was released circa 1997. This means it came out before 1999, and accordingly the locales exclusive to the prequel films, Episode I and Episode II, don't appear in here. That kind of bites, because I wanted to read up on Naboo and Kamino.
-The only pictures in the book are black-and-white sketches. I would have liked to see some more detailed pictures, preferably in color.

OVERALL:
If you're a Star Wars fan, I guarantee this book will fascinate you. If you're not a fan of the Star Wars series but know somebody who is, this makes a great gift. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Superb reference book for any Star Wars afficionado
This book is fantastic! You know that there is a Rebel Base on Yavin, but what about it's history? This book has the ultimate reference to planets and moons, an extremely comprehensive and detailed look at the planets and moons in the world of Star Wars.

A Great Reference
Although it is not officially a supplement, I found this book indispensable for gamemastering in the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. The fact is, there really isn't a better resource for finding new places to visit in the Star Wars Universe. Even if you're not into the RPG scene, however, this member of the 'Essential Guide' series is an excellent read.

For some of those, namely the hardcore fans that have read every single Star Wars thing ever published (I cannot claim this title, as I've only read about half of it all) this book might seem a bit redundant. All of the locations are taken from either film or literature, so if you've read all the literature it follows that you'll have seen all of the 100 worlds depicted here at least once. Nevertheless, it is useful to have all of this information in one place, in case you forgot just which world the Ugnaughts come from (Umgul) or how to spell "Mrlsst." The Star Wars Encyclopedia and Guide to the SW Universe have all of this information as well... somewhere. The problem is you have to remember what you were looking for to find it. This book simplifies matters if you just have to know, but can't recall any of it.

For those who are NOT hardcore fans or could care less that Wild Boetays can be found on Garos IV, you probably won't find this guide more than moderately amusing. The other ones in the series (Characters, Vehicles and Vessels, and Weapons and Tech, to name a few) might be more diverting. But for those who are serious about Star Wars (you know who you are) the Guide to Planets and Moons is a really cheap thrill.

planets of the star wars universe
This book is very cool.There are 200 planets in this book.But there are way more planets then this.

Helpful
This book is helpful for those who haven't read a certain Star Wars book, but come across one of the planets in that book mentioned in some other book. However, with all the new books coming out right now, you'll find that this book is pretty useless for them. ... Read more

Book Description

An investigation of the Alien Abduction Phenomenon

Is alien abduction real, or are the answers to its legacy buried in the human psyche?Do we now have the knowledge to understand the forces behind abduction, or are we still stumbling in the dark?Finally the evidence to answer these questions has been uncovered.

Kevin D. Randle, Russ Estes, and Dr. William P. Cone have been breaking new ground in the study of UFOs for the past twenty-five years.Among them, they have expertise in military aviation, a doctorate in psychology, and firsthand alien contact.Combining thousands of hours of taped interviews with abductees with an overview of the aliens in world mythology and culture, The Abduction Enigma reveals the full story behind the chilling testimonies, examining such controversial issues as:

-scars, implants, and the theft of unborn children
-hypnosis and recovered memories
-parallels between pop culture and abduction phenomena
-startling sexual motivation behind many of today's abductions.

The pieces of the alien puzzle are finally falling into place.And the full picture is much more complex and incredible than anyone suspected. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

An interesting, but flawed read...
The reviewers who criticized the quality of the writing and editing in "The Abduction Enigma" were right on the mark. The book is filled with typos and grammatical errors and the authors have an annoying habit of repeating themselves. This book needed a good editor and these flaws are distracting.

The writing is slanted and the authors' biased point of view is increasingly apparent as you read deeper into the book. They are quick to jump to conclusions and I often found their logic faulty. They do a good job of supporting some of their opinions and theories but a terrible job of supportng others, particularly their conclusions about the influence of pop culture on abductees.

However, the book has it's convincing, and disturbing, moments. The chapter on Satanic Ritual Abuse, and it's relationship to the Abduction phenomenon, is an eye-opener. The criticisms of abduction researchers are also interesting.

However, I think the most telling aspect of this book is what was left out. The authors launch an all-out attack on the reality of alien abduction but they fail to address some of the most famous and important cases in the field. Travis Walton, Whitley Strieber and the Allagash Four are mentioned but not addressed in-depth. I don't think the Debbie Jordan ("Intruders") case is mentioned at all, even though it is one of the most significant, and most publicized, abduction cases to date. The authors ignore this case and use the Budd Hopkins chapter to focus on the Linda Cortile case and on a few cases from his first book, "Missing Time". The Andreasson case is not touched on either and although Ray Fowler is mentioned, he is not covered in the "Researchers" section.

The Travis Walton and Allagash cases involved multiple witnesses. The Debbie Jordan case involved multiple abductees and a landing trace. The Whitley Strieber case is among the field's strangest and most complex. If the authors wanted to be thoroughly convincing, they should have tackled some the most difficult, high profile cases to prove the strength of their own theories. They chose easier targets.

It's a good book, and despite it's flaws, I think it's a must-read for anyone interested in alien abduction. I have no doubt that the theories presented in "The Abduction Enigma" explain many abductee cases, but the authors have left the door open for other explanations and that was clearly not their goal.

This book will anger those who believe in alien abduction.
The authors have presented a clear cut case that says that alien abduction claims are the result of a combination of problems. They examine a wide range of factors including the influences of pop culture, folklore, dreams, and the current mental health climate. They find and present good evidence that tales of alien abduction are an outgrowth of problems inside UFO studies. Those looking for abductions find it where none seem to exist.

This book provides the evidence in the form of the words of the abduction researchers themselves, showing how they find the answers and then ignore them. It is this aspect of the book that I found most convincing.

This book is a must for those who are interested in alien abductions whether they believe in it or not. It has to change the opinion of those who come to it with an open mind.

Not perfect, but very important
Since Randle is one of the leading proponents of the view that the Roswell incident may have indeed been the crash of an alien craft, he can hardly be accused of being a debunker. That being said, this book does present a very harsh and dismissive -- BUT EXTREMELY VALUABLE -- perspective on the "alien abduction" phenomenon. The core phenomenon (as represented by cases such as Villa-Boas, the Hills, Travis Walton and the Allagash Four) has become buried beneath so many layers of psychobabble and silliness that I had the feeling the authors were intentionally being overly harsh and dismissive in an effort to restore some semblance of balance. There is quite a bit of overlap and repetition from chapter to chapter; I feel certain that each of the chapters was written by one of the three authors and that the final product perhaps wasn't edited as carefully as it might have been. Nevertheless, the book is extremely valuable as a warning against the dangers of hypnotically recovered "memories" and researcher contamination. The authors effectively analogize the abductee phenomenon to the bogus Satanic Ritual Abuse phenomenon, which likewise relies almost entirely on hypnotically recovered "memories." The chapter on abductee "support groups" should be required reading for everyone involved in any type of "experiencer" group. The authors absolutely hit the nail on the head with their analysis of the dynamics and pitfalls of these dangerous groups, where the "support" is of a perverted type that only exacerbates the attendees' problems and fosters an unhealthy dependency on the group. Whatever flaws this book may have, it is highly readable, serves as an important counterbalance to the "abductee" fluff that dominates the market, and effectively makes its key points. (I'm not a debunker either. I've studied UFOs for nearly 40 years and had a close-up disc sighting myself -- but I'd bet everything I own that these authors' perspective on the abduction phenomenon is far more accurate than that of Budd Hopkins, David Jacobs, Whitley Streiber, et al.)

Case closed.
THE ABDUCTION ENIGMA answers the phenomenon of UFO abductions and does so without the gaps in logic, pure fiction, and simple fantasy that has plagued the discussion of abductions for over a generation. The parallels drawn between medieval lore and satanic ritual abuse are particularly compelling reading. Many of the challenges THE ABDUCTION ENIGMA poses have not been adequately answered by the book's foes, nor can they be. Disturbing reading to be sure, but not necessarily because of the graphic tales of abduction. THE ABDUCTION ENIGMA's solution to the enigma of UFO abduction reveals little about the possibility of life elsewhere, but sheds very much light on the frailty of the human condition.

This book only tells half the story!
The authors of The Abduction Enigma are debunkers. They try to lure you in by making you think they are serious UFOlogists and that they are sympathetic to the study of UFOs. They have slanted all the "evidence" to prop up their arguments rather than give a balanced view.

I must concede that they make a very good point about the use of hypnosis for investigation of UFO abductions. In the hands of even the most skilled, hypnosis is a tricky approach. When used by unqualified people, it can be downright dangerous.

Unfortunately, in this argument they have thrown out the baby with the bath water. UFO abductions are a real phenomenon of some sort. What is needed is people to rise to the challenge of doing real research in the attempt to find out what causes this syndrome. What we don't need is more iconoclastic claims that abductions are nothing more than hysterical responses to the influence of pop culture. These men really know this is a lie, and they are purposely pursuing an agenda against the furthering of serious UFOlogy. ... Read more

Book Description

How NASA Learned To Fly in space is about a time when the agency was young and lean, and had an explicit mandate of staggering audacity set against a tight deadline. A time when the agency readily accepted risk, and made momentous decisions 'on the run'.A time when a rendezvous was a major objective of a mission, when simply opening the hatch and venturing outside was a serious challenge.Apollo claimed the glory, but it was Gemini that 'stretched the envelope' of spaceflight to make going to the Moon feasible.As Dr Robert Gilruth, director of the Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, observed: "In order to go to the Moon, we had to learn how to operate in space. We had to learn how to manoeuvre with precision to rendezvous and to dock; to work outside in the hard vacuum of space; to endure long-duration in the weightless environment; and to learn how to make precise landings from orbital flight - that is where the Gemini Program came in." ... Read more

Book Description

This introduction to basic practical tools, methods and phenomena in quantitative astronomy covers topics across a wide range of areas, from radio to gamma-ray wavelengths. Clear presentations of the topics are accompanied by diagrams and problem sets. Written for undergraduates and graduate students, the book will introduce them to the practice and study of quantitative and analytical astronomy and astrophysics. ... Read more

Book Description

In Seeing in the Dark, a poetic love letter to science and to the skies, Timothy Ferris invites us all to become stargazers. He recounts his own experiences as an enthralled lifelong amateur astronomer and reports from around the globe -- from England and Italy to the Florida Keys and the Chilean Andes -- on the revolution that's putting millions in touch with the night sky. In addition, Ferris offers an authoritative and engaging report on what's out there to be seen -- what Saturn, the Ring nebula, the Silver Coin galaxy, and the Virgo supercluster really are and how to find them. The appendix includes star charts, observing lists, and a guide on how to get involved in astronomy.

Ferris takes us inside a major revolution sweeping astronomy, as lone amateur astronomers, in global networks linked by the Internet, make important discoveries that are the envy of the professionals. His ability to describe the wonders of the universe is simply magical, and his enthusiasm for his subject is irresistible. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Poignant Rock n Roll Astronomer
This is a poignant and wonderful autobiographical book. As Timothy Ferris writes, for most of its long history, astronomy has been primarily an amateur pursuit. Like some of those lifelong "amateurs," quiet national treasure Ferris is an erudite Renaissance man and gifted writer with a wry and ironic sense of humor -- and one of the best popular science writers of his (boomer) generation (he is a master of analogy and metaphor). Meet these prominent amateur astronomers and follow their friend Professor Ferris through the solar system into deep space and, like me, you'll finally be out shopping for your own binoculars and telescope and finding the local amateur astronomy club closest to you (and then find yourself fighting light pollution). It might just be me, but, Ferris's delicate eloquence will bring you to tears, especially if -- even without your own observatory -- you too already live with the constant awareness that we're all living on a minuscule, fabulously beautiful rock spinning through an unfathomable solar system, galaxy, Local Group and expanding universe. Expect a good glossary, excellent index and helpful appendixes to start you in your own love affair with our universe. (The comic subtitle in part refers to the amateur astronomers watching for asteroids on collision courses with Earth.)

Another superb book from our best science writer
Timothy Ferris has an unusual gift for explaining complex subjects in a highly readable, even felicitous, style. The first book I read of his, Coming of Age in the Milky Way, was a thoroughly entertaining history of how we gradually came to understand the impossibly vast scale of the universe. It evoked awe of our strange and wonderful cosmos while staying refreshingly free of the antireligious crankiness and oddly mystical naturalism of Carl Sagan. Seeing in the Dark focuses on areas of astronomy that any of us could plausibly make contributions in - planets, asteroids, comets, the sun, the moon, even SETI. It is fascinating to learn how amateurs continue to make important discoveries and, indeed, how the professionals still depend on them to help expand our understanding of the solar system and beyond.

But what I gained most from reading this book was the realization that I don't really have to own an expensive telescope and live in the open desert to enjoy stargazing. I especially appreciated such personal stories as Ferris viewing a lunar occultation of Saturn with a small telescope from his deck in San Francisco. He had to maneuver the tripod into a far corner, wait until the planet drifted into view between his house and a tree, then cope with a bright streetlight by pressing his eye tight against the eyepiece - but it was indisputably worth the effort. This book inspired me to pull my cheap little 2.4 inch refractor out of the garage where it had languished for fifteen years and look again at Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons. It has re-awakened my youthful fascination with outer space and I am greatly appreciative.

A match made in Heaven
The match being that of science and poetry. The author writes about the achievements of amateur astronomers, giving a wealth of information about astronomy, stargazing, and amateurs, all of which is written in a language so beautifully poetic. It is a masterpiece. The love of the author for his topic is evident on every page and it is contagious. This is a book that will fill you with wonder, and probably sweep you off your feet and onto the nearest dark ground with a starmap in hand!

Rich with information, written with passion, the book is fascinating, moving, and absolutely beautifully written.

Reading "Seeing" is Believing
This book is a great reminder of how amateurs can (and do!) make significant contributions to the areas of their interest. It's very well written and Ferris does a terrific job of inspiring the reader to grab a pair of binoculars or pull out that old scope you have gathering dust in the closet and take a good long look at what's going on up there. It contains only a few star charts and some tables on objects of interest, so it is not meant as an introduction to using telescopes, etc. Instead, Ferris draws on his own experience and interviews serious amateurs who have made contributions to "professional" astronomy, and the result is an inspiration.

Birth of a Classic
Once in a long while a book comes along that is destined to become a classic. Such a book is Timothy Ferris' "Seeing in the Dark". After reading, amateur astronomers will want to put this book on the shelf next to "Starlight Nights" and "Burnham's Celestial Handbook". Very inspiring stories of amateurs' accomplishments and successful amateur profiles spark the reader's own efforts in this hobby. The very numerous interesting and illuminating facts and factoids alone are worth the price of this book. The footnotes gathered at the back of the book containing digressions, asides, and background info are enough for a book in themselves. A must read for both those just getting into the hobby and long-time observers. ... Read more

Book Description

Exploring the X-Ray Universe describes the view of the stars and galaxies that is obtained through X-ray telescopes. X-rays, which are invisible to human sight, are created in the cores of active galaxies, in cataclysmic stellar explosions, and in streams of gas expelled by the Sun and stars. The window on the heavens used by the X-ray astronomers shows the great drama of cosmic violence on the grandest scale. This account of X-ray astronomy incorporates the latest findings from several observatories operating in space. These include the Einstein Observatory operated by NASA, and the EXOSAT satellite of the European Space Agency. The book covers the entire field, with chapters on stars, supernova remnants, normal and active galaxies, clusters of galaxies, the diffuse X-ray background, and much more. The authors review basic principles, include the necessary historical background, and explain exactly what we know from X-ray observations of the Universe. ... Read more

Book Description

This newly revised and updated 3rd edition of ASTRONOMY: THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND BEYOND engages students as it illustrates their place in the universenot just their location, but also their role as planet dwellers in an evolving universe. Fascinating and engaging, the book illustrates how science works, and how scientists depend on evidence to test hypotheses. Students will learn to focus on the scientific method through the strong central theme of "how we know what we know." Through a discussion of this interplay between evidence and hypothesis, Seeds provides not just a series of facts, but also a conceptual framework for understanding the logic of astronomical knowledge. The book vividly conveys the author's love of astronomy, shows students how the universe can be described by a small set of physical laws, and illustrates how they can comprehend their place in the universe by understanding these laws, rather than simply memorizing facts. By crafting a story about astronomy, Seeds shows students how to ask questions of nature and therefore gradually puzzle out the beautiful secrets of the physical world. With the use of mathematics set off in boxes, the book's presentation is flexible and allows instructors to teach to differing student levels. This is the first text from Mike Seeds to be written using a planets-first approach. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

So far the best text book I've encountered
Seeds has a deep understanding of science and a refined writing style that is rarely found among textbook writers. Aside from hard astronomy details, he strives to train his student readers to think like real scientists, which includes the necessary skill to distinguish true science from pseudoscience. Sometimes the tone of the author subtly reminds of Carl Sagan; If you like Carl Sagan, you'll love this book.

The beautiful graphics and the student's edition of TheSky CD further enhances the value of this product. Seeds is a strong force indeed. ... Read more

Book Description

Do a little armchair space travel, rub elbows with alien life forms, and stretch your mind to the furthest corners of our uncharted universe. With this astonishing guidebook, you don't have to be an astronomer to explore the mysteries of stars and their profound meaning for human existence. Clifford A. Pickover tackles a range of topics from stellar evolution to the fundamental reasons why the universe permits life to flourish. He alternates sections that explain the mysteries of the cosmos with sections that dramatize mind-expanding concepts through a fictional dialog between futuristic humans and their alien peers (who embark on a journey beyond the reader's wildest imagination). This highly accessible and entertaining approach turns an intimidating subject into a scientific game open to all dreamers. Told in Pickover's inimitable blend of fascinating state-of-the-art science and whimsical science fiction, and packed with numerous diagrams and illustrations, The Stars of Heaven unfolds a world of paradox and mystery, one that will intrigue anyone who has ever pondered the night sky with wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Sun, the Stars, and the Universe
In this book, Dr. Pickover takes us on a scientific and historical tour of the development of our understanding of the workings of stars (of which our sun is the nearest example). In the usual Pickover manner, the author does not let us rest with a light-hearted thesis on nuclear physics. He leads us to the conclusion that neither stars nor our universe could be without the fortuitous existence of an excited state of the carbon-12 nucleus. Is this because the excited state of carbon-12 was designed so or has our universe evolved from a cosmology of universes in such a way that the excited state is a necessity? The reader is left to ponder the question. For more speculations about God see Dr. Pickover's next tome, "The Paradox of God and the Science of Omniscience", also available on this web site.

The star of heaven is you.
The stars of heaven - where would we be without them? Actually nowhere; we as humans would not exist without them. As carbon based lifeforms we owe our very existence to the stars since they are the source of this carbon, and what a close call it is that this carbon is formed at all. Were the number 7.6549 (the resonant energy state of carbon in MeV) just a few percent different, the stars would not produce this carbon, and the rich biochemistry that make us human would not be possible. So, if you ever wondered where you came from, Pickover has the answer in these glorious pages. A journey to the stars would be wonderful, but the journey of the stars to us is even more wonderful. Pickover tells the amazing story of where we came from for those who wonder at that amazing question.

Dennis W. Gordon

On The Stars Of Heaven, By Clifford A. Pickover
If there is ever a time more than any other that we need astronomy, it is now. Because astronomy -- from backyard stargazing on up -- reminds us there's much beyond terror looming over our heads. And, now more than ever, we need writers up to the task of convincing us of this. Not just competent writers, mind you; from these you'll get the venerable, well-annotated but otherwise dehydrated boilerplate itemizing the hits and misses of Astronomy 101's usual suspects: ancient Greeks, Moorish scholars, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Lowell (for comic relief) and finally some pro-forma paeans to Einstein, Hubble, Hawking and (with an asterisk) Sagan.Now, while all this is fairly serviceable stuff, it conveys nothing of what we layfolk dearly want from science: our own personal place in it. We want to connect -- to log on to eternity. And that's where Clifford Pickover steps in. His new book, The Stars of Heaven, ostensibly concentrates on stellar astronomy -- the lives and deaths of stars. But anyone who has ever read his previous books will expect -- and receive -- far more. Pickover's expansive field of view reveals the nature and mysteries of stars in their broadest, deepest possible context -- from the edge of the observable universe and beyond to the restless shadows of human consciousness. Astrophysics, cosmology, philosophy, religion, art -- all of these seamlessly enrich Pickover's answer to our seemingly simple "wish upon a star." But don't get me wrong here; The Stars of Heaven is no ponderous block of academic marble. Pickover delivers the goods like a friend, happy you've asked him to stop over for a chat about some of his favorite ideas. He's an avid sci-fi fan, and he delights in actively engaging his readers, so in this book (as in various others of his) he creates for us a space adventure all his own, complete with wacky characters, funny asides and lightspeed plot-twists but all to make his main points memorable -- and meaningful. Sometimes, to crystallize a point, Pickover includes a simple equation or two, but these are painless and few; in fact, they serve as handy landmarks should you wish to backtrack and refresh. But always this is a personal journey for the author -- a chance to reveal why he delights in heavenly mysteries, scientific and otherwise. You'll especially get a sense of this in the "non-fiction" section of each chapter, where he distills and develops themes introduced in the sci-fi segment. And this may be the most valuable element of the whole book: a glimpse into not only the mysteries of science but also the scientist -- why he does what he does, how his discoveries and unanswered questions square with his own aspirations and beliefs -- and why he'd like to share all this with you. Indeed, this is what we need, now more than ever, if we are to live beyond fear of the unknown.

A far-out journey
This book is a great introduction to stars in science, art, and religion. The illustrations help the reader to understand complicated concepts. My favorite parts of the book deal with the anthropic principle. These sections address the question: Was the universe designed? I also liked the sections on the evolution of multiple universes. Even though the book has sections on art (e.g. Van Gogh) and religion (e.g. stars in the Bible), the book could certainly be used as a hard-core stellar astronomy textbook because it covers everything you would want to know about all the variety of stars in outer space (evolution, nucleosythesis, stellar anatomy, spectral classes, black holes, etc.) Science-fiction buffs will enjoy the very strange and very interesting tale about an oddball set of characters who journey to the end of the universe to make investigations. A cool book. ... Read more

Book Description

This third edition of Space Mission Analysis and Design, known as `SMAD' to its many friends, carries on the tradition of the first two editions of providing a practical handbook for `Space Mission Engineering' -- the process of defining mission parameters and refining requirements to meet the often fuzzy objectives of a space mission at minimum cost and risk. We begin the process with a `blank sheet of paper' and carry the reader through a preliminary mission design covering all system aspects: orbit and constellation design, mission geometry, launch vehicle selection, and design of the spacecraft, payload, ground segment, and operations. The book is a comprehensive presentation of theory and practice, drawing on the insight and practical knowledge of leading experts from all segments of the aerospace community.SMAD III both updates the technology and provides a greater emphasis on the design of smaller spacecraft and the process of reducing cost. It has been expanded to include more detail of multi-satellite manufacturing and the design and selection of constellation parameters. The discussion of space computers has been expanded and revised. The unmanned spacecraft cost model has been updated and the new Small Satellite Cost Model has been added. The discussion of payload design has been extensively revised and expanded. Discussions of electric propulsion, autonomous systems, on-board navigation, and the use of commercial PCs and COTS software have been expanded in keeping with current trends in system design. The appendices and tables have been made even more extensive and useful.Because of its practical orientation, useful data and formulas, and process tables which summarize the design methodology of all major mission elements, SMAD has become the most widely used volume in astronautics. It is intended for both students and professionals in astronautics and space science. It is appropriate for engineers, scientists, and managers trying the obtain the best mission possible within a limited budget and for students working on advanced design projects or just beginning in space systems engineering. It is the indispensable traveling companion for seasoned veterans or those just beginning to explore the highways and by-ways of space mission engineering. Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

THE book for practicing space systems engineers
What can I say about SMAD? It is THE book for the practicing space systems engineer. After several years in this industry my copy of SMAD is well-thumbed and constantly borrowed by colleagues. I refer to it regularly, and don't know how I could have survived without it. Every time I go back to this book I find some new nugget of information. Wertz and Larson have managed to condense a whole slew of useful information into one volume. The only problem with SMAD is that it takes a kind of "cookbook" approach, without many derivations. But that approach is necessitated by the breadth of material it covers, and is made up for by a wealth of references for more in-depth material. Highly recommended!

Good, but way too long
I use this book as a college text.

SMAD offers a wealth of good information, but it's far too wordy and prone to personal ruminations on the parts of the contributors. It could profitably be shortened by at least 200 pages.

In addition, Chapter 9 (on payloads) needs significant re-work, especially on the discussion of optical payloads. The chapter somehow manages to be both too detailed, and too top-level, for the reader to actually use it. Those who can fill in the technical gaps will not need SMAD, and those who cannot, cannot use SMAD. The proper approach would be to offer a qualitative assessment of how payloads affect satellite design. Leave the deep-down technical details for other texts.

Finally, there are sections which can only be described as advertisements for Wertz's company. The discussions of autonomous orbit determination and autonomous orbit control are vastly biased, and do not cover the full range of considerations that have to go into selecting an approach for either activity.

Excellent for mission design work
Wertz has continued his good works, this time branching out with Larson from vehicle design (his book Attitude Determination & Control is considered a bible for NASA as well as contractor ACS engineers) to mission-oriented design. The scope is larger with emphasis on many example missions, so necessarily the technical detail is not as rich; but for ACS systems, definitely get his first one.

THE definitive satellite design book
This book covers the large amount of information required to design and plan a space mission, and does it in a clear and succinct way.

Very cool space engineering book - a must have!
This book is intened for those with the equivalent of a BS. I found it very well formatted and a wealth of information. It is a very fun book to have for us space junkies with a technical background to make use of it. ... Read more

Book Description

The perfect manual for the lab when studying Earth Science or Physical Geology! The experiments featured in this lab manual teach and reinforce the core skills that characterize the Earth Sciences and illustrate how the scientific method works.Full of engaging activities that are designed to help readers develop data-gathering skills, such as mineral and rock identification, and data-analysis skills, the manual uses clear and easy-to-understand graphs and simple calculations.The authors also introduce readers to the graphical analysis of data via maps and sections that are characteristic of the earth sciences, helping readers develop the skills they need to "read" topographic, geologic, and meteorological maps. Using this manual in conjunction with the interactive experience of a lab, readers learn to understand aerial and satellite images, and perceive the importance of stratigraphic columns, geologic sections, and seismic waves. ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides a survey of the current state of research into the physics of neutrinos. It is presented in a pedagogical form accessible to non-specialists and graduate students, but will also be useful as a handbook for researchers in this field. The reader finds here a global view of the areas of physics in which neutrinos play important roles, including astrophysics and cosmology. The book is intended to be self-contained: Starting from the standard theory of electroweak interactions, the key notions are explained in detail and the fundamental equations are derived explicitly, so that readers can understand their precise content and implications. Prime emphasis is given to models of massive neutrinos and to the magnetic moment of the neutrino. The first eight chapters deal mostly with well-established knowledge whilst later chapters probe into the most recent research problems. The book is well-suited for courses. ... Read more

Book Description

This upper-division textbook describes the composition and evolution of material objects in the universe. The survey begins with a discussion of terrestrial materials and ends with the composition of quasars and distant galaxies. There are two main themes: chemical processes responsible for the abundances we observe, and nuclear processes in which the chemical elements originate. The author presents a total pedagogic synthesis of the subject, building on the basic information in the first chapters to lead into a fuller explanation of the composition of the planets and stellar and primordial nucleosynthesis. The later chapters treat the analytical methods of stellar and nebular spectra, and move on to the composition of stars and galaxies. The book is fully referenced and includes problem sets for the student. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best science book I have ever bought!
I'll be brief. This is a book written by an astronomer who developed an interest in geology. It explains all about how astronomy, physics, chemistry and geology interact and why there should be interdisciplinaryaction on these subjects. If you are an astronomer with only a rudimentaryunderstanding of geology and want to know how data from meteorites etcaffect your work - it's superb. Likewise, if you are a chemist or ageologist and want to know about the relevence of your work in spacestudies - take a look. It's also remarkably cheap for a science book - sobuy it now. ... Read more

Book Description

Theory of Orbits treats celestial mechanics as well as stellar dynamics from the common point of view of orbit theory, making use of concepts and techniques from modern geometric mechanics. It starts with elementary Newtonian mechanics and ends with the dynamics of chaotic motion. The two volumes are meant for students in astronomy and physics alike. Prerequisite is a physicist's knowledge of calculus and differential geometry. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the 2nd edition of a highly successful title on this fascinating and complex subject. Concentrating primarily on the theory behind the origin and the evolution of the universe, and where appropriate relating it to observation, the new features of the this addition include:

• An overall introduction to the book

• Two new chapters: Gravitational Lensing and Gravitational Waves

• Each part has a collection of exercises with solutions to numerical parts at the end of the book

• Contains a table of physical constants

• The addition of a consolidated bibilography

Reviews (1)

A very good introduction to cosmology
Professor Coles' book on cosmology in the VSI series is a very good introduction to the subject. If you search for a first book on the subject, that's it (although you can also choose Stephen Hawking's Brief History of Time and the contents of these two books could complement with each other)! It provides an overview of the key concepts of cosmology in non-technical language while preserving room for deeper thought and exploration for those who are not satisfied with an introduction.

In my opinion, Chapter 2 provides the