The author of The Physics of Star Trek "expands his scope to address other sci-fi hits, ranging from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey to TV's The X-Files" (Kirkus Reviews).
In the bestselling The Physics of Star Trek, the renowned theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss took readers on an entertaining and eye-opening tour of the Star Trek universe to see how it stacked up against the real universe. Now, responding to requests for more as well as to a number of recent exciting discoveries in physics and astronomy, Krauss takes a provocative look at how the laws of physics relate to notions from our popular culture-not only Star Trek, but other films, shows, and popular lore-from Independence Day to Star Wars to The X-Files.
[*]What's the difference between a flying saucer and a flying pretzel?
[*]Why didn't the aliens in Independence Day have to bother invading Earth to destroy it?
[*]What's new with warp drives?
[*]What's the most likely scenario for doomsday?
[*]Are ESP and telekinesis impossible?
[*]What do clairvoyance and time travel have in common?
[*]How might quantum mechanics ultimately affect the fate of life in the universe?
"Combining hard science and popular culture, this delightful follow-up to Krauss's The Physics of Star Trek continues to explore the possibilities, principles and improbabilities of science fiction . . . Relaxed and full of lively conversation, Krauss is the physics teacher we all wish we had had in high school." -Publishers Weekly
