How space physics really works : lessons from well -constructed science fiction / Andrew May.
May, Andrew (Andrew James), author.
2023
QB461 .M39 2023
Available Online

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Title How space physics really works : lessons from well -constructed science fiction / Andrew May.
Author May, Andrew (Andrew James), author.
ISBN 9783031339509 (electronic bk.)
3031339509 (electronic bk.)
3031339495
9783031339493
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33950-9
Published Cham, Switzerland : Springer, [2023]
Language English
Description 1 online resource.
Other Standard Identifiers 10.1007/978-3-031-33950-9 doi
Call Number QB461 .M39 2023
Dewey Decimal Classification 523.01
Summary There is a huge gulf between the real physics of space travel and the way it is commonly portrayed in movies and TV shows. That's not because space physics is difficult or obscure -- most of the details were understood by the end of the 18th century -- but because it can often be bafflingly counter-intuitive for a general audience. The purpose of this book isn't to criticize or debunk popular sci-fi depictions, which can be very entertaining, but to focus on how space physics really works. This is done with the aid of numerous practical illustrations taken from the works of serious science fiction authors -- from Jules Verne and Arthur C. Clarke to Larry Niven and Andy Weir -- who have taken positive pleasure in getting their scientific facts right.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references.
Access Note Access limited to authorized users.
Source of Description Description based on online resource; title from digital title page (viewed on July 26, 2023).
Series Science and fiction (Springer (Firm))
Available in Other Form Print version: 9783031339493
Linked Resources Online Access
Record Appears in Online Resources > Ebooks
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Intro
Contents
1: Physics in Science Fiction
1.1 Celestial Mechanics
1.2 In the Footsteps of Jules Verne
1.3 Calculations in Space
1.4 The Laws of Physics
References
2: Gravity
2.1 Gravity on Other Worlds
2.2 Artificial Gravity
2.3 Orbits
2.4 The Three-Body Problem
2.5 Tidal Forces
2.6 A Few Words about Black Holes
References
3: Orbital Dynamics
3.1 Why Orbits?
3.2 Satellite Orbits
3.3 Orbital Manoeuvres
3.4 Interplanetary Trajectories
References
4: Rocket Science
4.1 Why Rockets?
4.2 Launch Rockets

4.3 Other Ways to Reach Space
4.4 Advanced Space Propulsion
4.5 Interstellar Travel
4.6 The Problem of Relativity
References
5: Living in a Vacuum
5.1 Outside the Atmosphere
5.2 Life Support
5.3 Vacuum Physics
5.4 Space Weather
5.5 Viewing the Universe
5.6 What Have we Learned?
References

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