Wizards, Aliens, and Starships : Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction

Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasy—from the probable to the impossibleFrom 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 the Harry Potter books 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 an appendix on Newton's laws of motion.Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy. 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-- Playing The Game -- I. Potter Physics -- Harry Potter And The Great Conservation Laws -- Why Hogwarts Is So Dark -- Fantastic Beasts And How To Disprove Them -- Ii. Space Travel -- Why Computers Get Better And Cars Can't (much) -- Vacations In Space -- Space Colonies -- The Space Elevator -- Manned Interplanetary Travel -- Advanced Propulsion Systems -- Speculative Propulsion Systems -- Interstellar Travel And Relativity -- Faster Than Light Travel And Time Travel -- Iii. Worlds And Aliens -- Designing A Habitable Planet -- The Scientific Search For Spock -- The Mathematics Of Talking With Aliens -- Iv. Year Googol -- The Short-term Survival Of Humanity -- World-building -- Dyson Spheres And Ringworlds -- Advanced Civilizations And The Kardashev Scale -- A Googol Years. Charles L. Adler. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 359-369) And Index. 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 the Harry Potter books 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 an appendix on Newton's laws of motion. Wizards, Aliens, and Starships will speak to anyone wanting to know about the correct--and incorrect--science of science fiction and fantasy. The first book in the action-filled urban fantasy Dreamwalker trilogy follows Jessica Drake as she navigates the dangerous landscape of distant worlds and dimensions All her life Jessica Drake has dreamed of other worlds, some of them similar to her own, others disturbingly alien. She never shares the details with anyone, save her younger brother Tommy, a compulsive gamer who incorporates some aspects of Jessicas dreams into his games. But now someone is asking about those dreams...and about her. A strange woman has been watching her house. A visitor to her school attempts to take possession of her dream-inspired artwork. Why? As she begins to search for answers, it becomes clear that whoever is watching her does not want her to learn the truth. One night her house catches on fire, and when the smoke clears she discovers that her brother has been kidnapped. She must figure out what is going on, and quickly, if she and her family are to be safe. Following clues left behind on Tommy's computer, determined to find her brother and bring him home safely, Jessica and two of her friends are about to embark on a journey that will test their spirits and their courage to the breaking point, as they must leave their own world behind and confront the source of Earth's darkest legends as well as the terrifying truth of their own secret heritage. An exciting fantasy adventure set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's popular world of DarkoverCourt life for Prince Gareth Elhalyn, grandson of the legendary Regis Hastur, has become unbearable. In a desperate attempt to escape, Gareth appeals to his powerful grandmother, Linnea, and with her blessing, disguises himself and travels to the barbarous, warlike Dry Towns where no one will recognize a prince. In the Dry Towns, Gareth overhears rumors of deadly, illegal Terran blasters and stumbles upon a terrible reality no one could have suspected. Meanwhile, Linnea has never ceased to search for her lost daughter, Kierestelli, whom she and Regis were forced to send into hiding with the native chieri. Almost by chance, Linnea reconnects along the telepathic relays with Kierestelli, now called Silvana of Nevarsin Tower. Silvana, convinced that her parents abandoned her, rejects her mother's overture and returns to her hidden home among the chieri. But the chieri once roamed the stars themselves, and they have no forgotten the terror of warfare in space—lessons that they pass on to Silvana. Unknown to the ruling Comyn, danger now fills the skies above Darkover, and Silvana holds half the key to protecting their world. Gareth holds the other half, if he can only stay alive long enough to discover where that key is.... Court life for prince Gareth Elhalyn, grandson of the legendary regis hastur, has become unbearable. In a desperate attempt to escape, gareth appeals to his powerful grandmother, linnea, and with her blessings, disguises himself and travels to the barbarous, warlike dry towns where no one will recognize a prince. In the dry towns, gareth overhears rumors of deadly, illegal terran blasters and stumbles upon a terrible reality no one could have suspected. Meanwhile, linnea has never ceased to search for her lost daughter, kierestelli, whom she and regis were forced to send into hiding with the native chieri. Almost by chance, linnea reconnects along the telepathic relays with kierestelli, now called silvana of nevarsin tower. Silvana, convinced that her parents abandoned her, rejects her mother's overture and returns to her hidden home among the chieri. But the chieri once roamed the stars themselves, and they have not forgotten the terror of warfare in space, lessons that they pass on to silvana. Unknown to the ruling comyn, danger now fills the skies above darkover, and silvana holds half the key to protecting their world. Gareth holds the other half, if he can only stay alive long enough to discover what that key is All her life Jessica Drake has dreamed of other worlds, some of them similar to her own, others disturbingly alien. She never shares the details with anyone, save her younger brother Tommy, a compulsive gamer who incorporates some aspects of Jessica's dreams into his games. But now someone is asking about those dreams ... and about her. A strange woman has been watching her house. A visitor to her school attempts to take possession of her dream-inspired artwork. Why? As she begins to search for answers it becomes clear that whoever is watching her does not want her to learn the truth. One night her house catches on fire, and when the smoke clears she discovers that her brother has been kidnapped. She must figure out what is going on, and quickly, if she and her family are to be safe. Following clues left behind on Tommy's computer, determined to find her brother and bring him home safely, Jessica and two of her friends are about to embark on a journey that will test their spirits and their courage to the breaking point, as they must leave their own world behind and confront the source of Earth's darkest legends as well as the terrifying truth of their own secret heritage-- Source other than Library of Congress Awards: 2015 WATTYS-Dream Collection. 2014 Dante Rossetti YA Dystopian. IndieReader NextPicks #1-April 2014. 2015 Cygnus YA 1st place. In a future that could be ours, Lizzie, a suicidal teen-age girl, barely navigates her own life. Then everything falls apart. In an apocalyptic land nearly deserted by disease, she lacks reasons to live until a shocking turn of events reveals a phone number. Her call pulls her dangerously cross-country to meet a stranger she thought was dead. In a world where there is plenty of food, plenty of gas, plenty of space fear, anger and a lust for power still control the patterns of human life. "In a future that could be ours, Lizzie, a suicidal teen-age girl, barely navigates her own life. Then everything falls apart. In an apocalyptic land nearly deserted by disease, she lacks reasons to live until a shocking turn of events reveals a phone number. Her call pulls her dangerously cross-country to meet a stranger she thought was dead. In a world where there is plenty of food, plenty of gas, plenty of space--fear, anger and lust for power still control the patterns of human life."--Page 4 of cover SCIENCE FICTION. In a future that could be ours, Lizzie, a suicidal teen-age girl, barely navigates her own life. Then everything falls apart. In an apocalyptic land nearly deserted by disease, she lacks reasons to live until a shocking turn of events reveals a phone number. Her call pulls her dangerously cross-country to meet a stranger she thought was dead