About two-thirds through Asimov's bio-odyssey comes his thirteenth calculated figure: "The number of planets in our Galaxy on which a technological civilization is now in being equals 530,000." What has gone before has been an inexorable march of always scrutable logic leading him to conclude that life-advanced technological life—must be based on the carbon atom and the existence of "volatiles" (hydrogen, helium, neon, argon, water, methane, hydrogen sulfide); in short, on Earth-like conditions. To be sure, there may be some dolphin-like intelligences swimming in the oceans of some of the massive outer planets, but being streamlined, without appendages, they are unlikely to have the props of civilization. Elsewhere there may be bacteria or other lowly forms. The recent revelations of hydrocarbons and even more complex carbon molecules in interstellar dust seem only to confirm the universal chemistry of life. Given the probabilities, what next? How do we explore, send or receive signals—or should we? Here Asimov's rich knowledge of science fiction and fact lets him survey all the reasoned and wild-eyed speculations and dreams. And here his style takes on even more of a litany form of statement-and-response: a one-sentence paragraph supposing passage through a black hole, for example, is followed immediately by a rebuttal: "Yet. . . ." In the end Asimov feels that beginning with nearby space settlements may be the way, and by a stepping-stone approach over generations—reaching the limits of the solar system. If these settlements started coasting, picking up speed as they fly by the outer planets, they could leave the solar system forever, perhaps to find other "free-worlds." Short of seeding space, Asimov favors our feeble attempts to send messages—as in the Carl Sagas-Frank Drake records incorporated in the Pioneer 10 and 11 probes. At home, the possibility of building a large network of radio telescopes tuned to the most likely Sun-like stars might be sufficiently demanding technically and sufficiently informative to be worth the cost, not to mention providing a diversion from the arms race. And suppose a signal was picked up. Might it not provide "the crucial feather's weight that may swing the balance toward survival and away from destruction"? Asimovian optimism that's hard to resist.
Pub Date: June 1, 1979
ISBN: 0449900207
Page Count: -
Publisher: Crown
Review Posted Online: Sept. 14, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1976
An intriguing meditation on the nature of the universe and our attempts to understand it that should appeal to both...
Italian theoretical physicist Rovelli (General Relativity: The Most Beautiful of Theories, 2015, etc.) shares his thoughts on the broader scientific and philosophical implications of the great revolution that has taken place over the past century.
These seven lessons, which first appeared as articles in the Sunday supplement of the Italian newspaper Sole 24 Ore, are addressed to readers with little knowledge of physics. In less than 100 pages, the author, who teaches physics in both France and the United States, cogently covers the great accomplishments of the past and the open questions still baffling physicists today. In the first lesson, he focuses on Einstein's theory of general relativity. He describes Einstein's recognition that gravity "is not diffused through space [but] is that space itself" as "a stroke of pure genius." In the second lesson, Rovelli deals with the puzzling features of quantum physics that challenge our picture of reality. In the remaining sections, the author introduces the constant fluctuations of atoms, the granular nature of space, and more. "It is hardly surprising that there are more things in heaven and earth, dear reader, than have been dreamed of in our philosophy—or in our physics,” he writes. Rovelli also discusses the issues raised in loop quantum gravity, a theory that he co-developed. These issues lead to his extraordinary claim that the passage of time is not fundamental but rather derived from the granular nature of space. The author suggests that there have been two separate pathways throughout human history: mythology and the accumulation of knowledge through observation. He believes that scientists today share the same curiosity about nature exhibited by early man.
An intriguing meditation on the nature of the universe and our attempts to understand it that should appeal to both scientists and general readers.Pub Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-0-399-18441-3
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Riverhead
Review Posted Online: Dec. 7, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2015
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A magnificent account of a central reality of our times, incorporating deep scientific expertise, broad political and social knowledge, and ethical insight, and Idled with beautifully written biographical sketches of the men and women who created nuclear physics. Rhodes describes in detail the great scientific achievements that led up to the invention of the atomic bomb. Everything of importance is examined, from the discovery of the atomic nucleus and of nuclear fission to the emergence of quantum physics, the invention of the mass-spectroscope and of the cyclotron, the creation of such man-made elements as plutonium and tritium, and implementation of the nuclear chain reaction in uranium. Even more important, Rhodes shows how these achievements were thrust into the arms of the state, which culminated in the unfolding of the nuclear arms race. Often brilliantly, he records the rise of fascism and of anti-Semitism, and the intensification of nationalist ambitions. He traces the outbreak of WW II, which provoked a hysterical rivalry among nations to devise the bomb. This book contains a grim description of Japanese resistance, and of the horrible psychological numbing that caused an unparalleled tolerance for human suffering and destruction. Rhodes depicts the Faustian scale of the Manhattan Project. His account of the dropping of the bomb itself, and of the awful firebombing that prepared its way, is unforgettable. Although Rhodes' gallery of names and events is sometimes dizzying, his scientific discussions often daunting, he has written a book of great drama and sweep. A superb accomplishment.
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1986
ISBN: 0684813785
Page Count: 932
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1986
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