Wizards, aliens, and starships : physics and math in fantasy and science fiction
(Book)

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Average Rating
Published
Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2014].
Physical Desc
xi, 378 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
Status
Downtown Reno Library - Adult Nonfiction
809.387 ADLER 2014
1 available

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Published
Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2014].
Format
Book
Language
English
UPC
2013027794

Notes

Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 359-369) and index.
Description
"From teleportation and space elevators to alien contact and interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant and innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideas--for instance, could Mr. Weasley's flying car in Harry Potter really exist? Which concepts might actually happen--and which ones wouldn't work at all? Wizards, Aliens, and Starships delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasy--such as time warps, shape changing, rocket launches, and illumination by floating candle--and shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena. With simple mathematical models, and in most cases using no more than high school algebra, Charles Adler ranges across a plethora of remarkable imaginings, from the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, to explore what might become reality. Adler explains why fantasy in the Harry Potter and Dresden Files novels cannot adhere strictly to scientific laws, and when magic might make scientific sense in the muggle world. He examines space travel and wonders why it isn't cheaper and more common today. Adler also discusses exoplanets and how the search for alien life has shifted from radio communications to space-based telescopes. He concludes by investigating the future survival of humanity and other intelligent races. Throughout, he cites an abundance of science fiction and fantasy authors, and includes concise descriptions of stories as well as a glossary of science terms. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy"--,Provided by publisher.

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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

Adler, C. L. (2014). Wizards, aliens, and starships: physics and math in fantasy and science fiction . Princeton University Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Adler, Charles L. 2014. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction. Princeton University Press.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

Adler, Charles L. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction Princeton University Press, 2014.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

Adler, Charles L. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction Princeton University Press, 2014.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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