Cosmic Rays - Hardcover

Friedlander, Michael W.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0674174585 ISBN 13: 9780674174580

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1989

Synopsis

Day in and day out, cosmic rays from the far reaches of space pass through our bodies, yet modern astrophysics has still to unlock all their secrets. Though many details about cosmic rays remain enigmatic, next to electromagnetic radiation they convey more information about the universe beyond the solar system than any other source. They provide us with information about energetic explosions elsewhere in our galaxy and perhaps beyond, and they tell us a great deal about the contents of our own galaxy, through which they pass in reaching us. Illustrating the beautiful symmetry of nature, they shed light on the tiny dimensions of atomic nuclei as well as the immense scale of galaxies.

Friedlander's engaging tale of this peculiar rain of charged particles begins with their discovery early in this century and goes on to describe impressive attempts by a special breed of scientists--sometimes engaging in swashbuckling science at its most adventurous--to fill in the gaps in our knowledge. The central question is: Where do cosmic rays come from? Some scientists maintain that supernovas, much more massive than our sun, are largely responsible for generating them. Most of them probably originate within our Milky Way galaxy, but a few (the most energetic ones) appear to come from a much greater distance. But we still have much to learn about their origin.

The book describes scientists studying cosmic rays by all sorts of methods: satellites, space probes, high-altitude balloons and airplanes-even giant detectors two miles beneath the earth's surface. Their ingenious investigations have yielded startling insights about nature--as well as an inordinately large number of Nobel Prizes. Michael Friedlander, for many years a principal researcher of cosmic radiation, masterfully portrays how a perfect marriage between pure and applied science has forged new understandings of our physical world. This uncommonly lucid history, richly illustrated with more than 50 drawings and photographs, touches the astronomer within each of us who yearns to explore one of the great mysteries of the universe.

About this title

About the Author

Michael W. Friedlander is Professor of Physics at Washington University in St. Louis.

Reviews

Where do cosmic rays come from? What effect do they have on our planet and on biological life? What do they tell us about our universe, the solar system, and the Earth? To answer these and many other questions, Friedlander (physics and astronomy, Washington Univ.) weaves an engaging tale about this enigmatic phenomenon, providing a fascinating glimpse into a science that has become a major field of modern research. His approach is both historical and contemporary. While he avoids equations and esoteric formulas, this is not light reading. However, for those interested in a serious, lay discussion of 20th-century science, this is essential. Most highly recommended for both public and research libraries.
- Robert Paul, Dickinson Coll., Carlisle, Pa.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0674174585
• ISBN 13: 9780674174580
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 171