Planet Hunters

Author : Lucas Ellerbroek
Publisher : Reaktion Books
Page : 248 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2017-09-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781780238784

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Planet Hunters by Lucas Ellerbroek Pdf

Astronomers are on the verge of answering one of our most profound questions: are we alone in the universe? The ability to detect life in remote solar systems is at last within sight, and its discovery—even if only in microbial form—would revolutionize our self-image. Planet Hunters is the rollicking tale of the search for extraterrestrial life and the history of an academic discipline. Astronomer Lucas Ellerbroek takes readers on a fantastic voyage through space, time, history, and even to the future as he describes the field of exoplanet research, from the early ideas of sixteenth-century heretic Giordano Bruno to the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1995 to the invention of the Kepler Space Telescope. We join him on his travels as he meets with leading scientists in the field, including Michel Mayor, who discovered the first exoplanet, and Bill Borucki, principal investigator for NASA’s Kepler mission. Taken together, the experiences, passion, and perseverance of the scientists featured here make the book an exciting and compelling read. Presenting cutting-edge research in a dynamic and accessible way, Planet Hunters is a refreshing look into a field where new discoveries come every week and paradigms shift every year.

Author : Vicki O. Wittenstein
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 49 pages
File Size : 40,8 Mb
Release : 2010
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781590785928

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Planet Hunter by Vicki O. Wittenstein Pdf

He has discovered more planets than anyone in history. In this inspiring true story, winner of the American Institute of Physics Award, Geoff Marcy's love of space helped him overcome struggles in his studies until finally he became an astronomer. But he was not on track to make major discoveries. Eventually, he went back to the questions that thrilled him as a boy: Are we alone? Do Earth-like planets orbit the stars in the night sky? It would not be easy to find a planet outside our solarsystem. Others had tried and failed. But Marcy never gave up. Since 1995, he and his colleagues have discovered nearly half of the 380 known "extrasolar" planets. Stunning paintings transport the reader to the exotic worlds that he and others have found.

Author : Dennis B. Fradin
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 184 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 1997
Category : Astronomers
ISBN : UOM:39015040332432

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The Planet Hunters by Dennis B. Fradin Pdf

Provides historical information on astronomy, the discovery of the planets, and the people who have made such discoveries.

Author : Govert Schilling
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 293 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2010-01-24
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780387778051

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The Hunt for Planet X by Govert Schilling Pdf

Ever since the serendipitous discovery of planet Uranus in 1871, astronomers have been hunting for new worlds in the outer regions of our solar system. This exciting and ongoing quest culminated recently in the discovery of hundreds of ice dwarfs in the Kuiper belt, robbed Pluto from its ‘planet’ status, and led to a better understanding of the origin of the solar system. This timely book reads like a scientific ‘who done it’, going from the heights of discovery to the depths of disappointment in the hunt for ‘Planet X’. Based on many personal interviews with astronomers, the well-known science writer Govert Schilling introduces the heroes in the race to be the first in finding another world, bigger than Pluto.

Author : Michael Perryman
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 973 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 2018-08-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781108419772

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The Exoplanet Handbook by Michael Perryman Pdf

A complete and in-depth review of exoplanet research, covering the discovery methods, physics and theoretical background.

Author : John Wenz
Publisher : MIT Press
Page : 201 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2019-10-08
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780262042864

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The Lost Planets by John Wenz Pdf

A fascinating account of the pioneering astronomer who claimed (erroneously) to have discovered a planet outside the solar system. There are innumerable planets revolving around innumerable stars across our galaxy. Between 2009 and 2018, NASA's Kepler space telescope discovered thousands of them. But exoplanets—planets outside the solar system—appeared in science fiction before they appeared in telescopes. Astronomers in the early decades of the twentieth century spent entire careers searching for planets in other stellar systems. In The Lost Planets, John Wenz offers an account of the pioneering astronomer Peter van de Kamp, who was one of the first to claim discovery of exoplanets. Van de Kamp, working at Swarthmore College's observatory, announced in 1963 that he had identified a planet around Barnard's Star, the second-closest star system to the Sun. He cited the deviations in Barnard's star's path—“wobbles” that suggested a large object was lurching around the star. Van de Kamp became something of a celebrity (appearing on a television show with “Mr. Wizard,” Don Henry), but subsequent research did not support his claims. Wenz describes van de Kamp's stubborn refusal to accept that he was wrong, discusses the evidence found by other researchers, and explains recent advances in exoplanet detection, including transit, radial velocity, direct imaging, and microlensing. Van de Kamp retired from Swarthmore in 1972, and died in 1995 at 93. In 2009, Swarthmore named its new observatory the Peter van de Kamp Observatory. In the 1990s, astronomers discovered and confirmed the first planet outside our solar system. In 2018, an exoplanet was detected around Barnard's Star—not, however, the one van de Kamp thought he had discovered in 1963.

Author : Marcia Bartusiak
Publisher : Yale University Press
Page : 321 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2018-01-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780300235746

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Dispatches from Planet 3 by Marcia Bartusiak Pdf

An award-winning science writer presents a captivating collection of cosmological essays for the armchair astronomer The galaxy, the multiverse, and the history of astronomy are explored in this engaging compilation of cosmological tales by multiple-award-winning science writer Marcia Bartusiak. In thirty-two concise and engrossing essays, the author provides a deeper understanding of the nature of the universe and those who strive to uncover its mysteries. Bartusiak shares the back stories for many momentous astronomical discoveries, including the contributions of such pioneers as Beatrice Tinsley, with her groundbreaking research in galactic evolution, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell, the scientist who first discovered radio pulsars. An endlessly fascinating collection that you can dip into in any order, these pieces will transport you to ancient Mars, when water flowed freely across its surface; to the collision of two black holes, a cosmological event that released fifty times more energy than was radiating from every star in the universe; and to the beginning of time itself.

Author : Vickie Curtis
Publisher : Springer
Page : 194 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2018-04-20
Category : Education
ISBN : 9783319776644

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Online Citizen Science and the Widening of Academia by Vickie Curtis Pdf

This book examines the increasing popularity of online citizen science projects arising from developments in ICT and rapid improvements in data storage and generation. As these new technologies allow for much higher levels of participation, collaboration and interaction, the author explores what online citizen science projects reveal about the ‘democratisation’ of science and distributed engagement with authentic research. Analysing the wider appeal of these projects as well as their potential for informal science learning and creating communities of practice, this book asks whether ‘citizen’ and ‘researcher’ will ever be on equal footing. Drawn from years of mixed-methods research, this volume sheds light on this under-researched subject area despite its recent growth and enormous potential. It is sure to be of interest to students and scholars of democratised knowledge, citizen science and online learning, as well as those already involved in citizen science.

Author : Evalyn Gates
Publisher : W. W. Norton & Company
Page : 320 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2010-02-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 0393071332

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Einstein's Telescope: The Hunt for Dark Matter and Dark Energy in the Universe by Evalyn Gates Pdf

“Splendidly satisfying reading, designed for a nonspecialist audience.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review Evalyn Gates, a talented astrophysicist, transports readers to the edge of contemporary science to explore the revolutionary tool—”Einstein’s telescope”—that is unlocking the secrets of the Universe. Einstein’s telescope, or gravitational lensing, is so-called for the way gravity causes space to distort and allow massive objects to act like “lenses,” amplifying and distorting the images of objects behind them. By allowing for the detection of mass where no light is found, scientists can map out the distribution of dark matter and come a step closer to teasing out the effects of dark energy on the Universe—which may forever upend long-held notions about where the Universe came from and where it is going.

Author : Mark Brake,Jon Chase
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
Page : 272 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2016-11-15
Category : Young Adult Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781944686291

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The Science of Star Wars by Mark Brake,Jon Chase Pdf

Discover the science behind the most popular sci-fi franchise of all time! Capturing the imagination and hearts of crowds worldwide, Star Wars is a fantastic feat of science fiction and fantasy. The Science of Star Wars addresses 50 topics that span the movies’ universe such as battle technology, alien life, space travel, etc. You’ll find fascinating explorations of the physics of Star Wars, its plausibility, and more. The perfect Star Wars gift for fans of the saga, this book addresses many unanswered, burning questions, including: How long before we get a Star Wars speeder off the ground? What exactly is the Force? How could Kylo Ren stop a blaster shot in mid-air? How could we live on a gas giant like Bespin, or a desert planet like Tatooine? Nature versus nurture: How does it play out in the making of Jedi? How much would it cost to build the Death Star? And much more! We marvel at the variety of creatures and technology and the mystery behind the force. But how much of the Star Wars world is rooted in reality? Could we see some of the extraordinary inventions materialize in our world? This uncomplicated, entertaining read makes it easy to understand how advanced physics concepts, such as wormholes and Einstein’s theory of relativity, apply to the Star Wars universe. The Science of Star Wars explains to non-technical readers how physics and fantasy might merge to allow for the possibility of interstellar travel; communication with foreign but intelligent lifeforms; human-like robots; alien planets fit for human life; weapons and spacecraft such as laser guns, light sabers, and the Millennium Falcon; and Force-like psychokinetic powers. In the 21st Century, we’re on the edge of developing much of the technology from “a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away”… These fantasies aren’t as impossible as you might think! Written for every fan of George Lucas’s films, you don’t need to be a Jedi or an astrophysicist at NASA to appreciate all of Mark Brake and Jon Chase’s fun and informative analysis of this classic series in The Science of Star Wars. Prepare your mind to make the jump to light speed and find out about the facts behind one of our favorite modern epics!

Author : G. Seth Shostak
Publisher : National Geographic Books
Page : 357 pages
File Size : 50,6 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9781426203923

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Confessions of an Alien Hunter by G. Seth Shostak Pdf

News that would change the world -- Inklings of ET -- Why would anyone believe they're out there? -- Could they be here? -- Turning ears to the skies -- Eureka -- Beyond gray and hairless.

Author : Lucy Schall
Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing USA
Page : 297 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2003-06-30
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9780313058998

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Booktalks and More by Lucy Schall Pdf

Inspire teenagers to read quality literature and help them explore issues relevant to their lives. This outstanding book offers motivational, ready-to-use booktalks for more than 100 of the best new reads for teenagers, guaranteed to pique teen interest. Each booktalk comes with complete bibliographic information, a detailed plot summary, helpful presentation tips, curriculum connections, and suggestions for related books and media. Grades 7-12. To help you keep the booktalk momentum going, Lucy Schall provides engaging follow-up discussion questions and activity ideas that will enhance every teen's reading, writing, and speaking skills. With a focus on recently published fiction and nonfiction titles in a wide variety of genres and themes, these dynamic booktalks center around issues, problems, and challenges that young adults are facing—from family concerns, expectations, and leadership to prejudice, good and evil, and the future. These lively booktalks and activities will motivate your teens to explore the complex world around them through unforgettable literary journeys.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 308 pages
File Size : 43,8 Mb
Release : 1995
Category : Research
ISBN : OSU:32435057519936

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Frontiers by Anonim Pdf

Author : Jerry Cranford
Publisher : Nottingham University Press
Page : 249 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2011-03-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781907284793

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From Dying Stars to the Birth of Life by Jerry Cranford Pdf

Written in an informal manner, this account tells the incredible story of the birth of an entirely new field of science called Astrobiology—a field that is now investigating whether life might exist on other worlds. From the discovery that other stars in our galaxy are circled by planets to the detection of single-cell organisms found living on Earth in extremely hostile environments, this account details the recent breakthroughs made by astronomers and earth scientists over the last few decades. Based on these findings, it argues that scientists now have the technology they need to move from speculating or fantasizing about extraterrestrials to possibly providing mankind with the first definitive proof that we are not alone.

Author : Chris Impey,Holly Henry
Publisher : Princeton University Press
Page : 459 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2016-04-19
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781400881284

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Dreams of Other Worlds by Chris Impey,Holly Henry Pdf

The story of unmanned space exploration, from Viking to today Dreams of Other Worlds describes the unmanned space missions that have opened new windows on distant worlds. Spanning four decades of dramatic advances in astronomy and planetary science, this book tells the story of eleven iconic exploratory missions and how they have fundamentally transformed our scientific and cultural perspectives on the universe and our place in it. The journey begins with the Viking and Mars Exploration Rover missions to Mars, which paint a startling picture of a planet at the cusp of habitability. It then moves into the realm of the gas giants with the Voyager probes and Cassini's ongoing exploration of the moons of Saturn. The Stardust probe's dramatic round-trip encounter with a comet is brought vividly to life, as are the SOHO and Hipparcos missions to study the Sun and Milky Way. This stunningly illustrated book also explores how our view of the universe has been brought into sharp focus by NASA's great observatories—Spitzer, Chandra, and Hubble—and how the WMAP mission has provided rare glimpses of the dawn of creation. Dreams of Other Worlds reveals how these unmanned exploratory missions have redefined what it means to be the temporary tenants of a small planet in a vast cosmos.