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Summary: We know it's impossible.
Review: Mr. Krauss does a great job of explaining why Star Trek technology is impossible in the real world. What I wanted to know was how it worked in the Star Trek world. What is subspace for example and why are they so many domains within it? If that's a question you have, this books doesn't have the answer.
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Summary: How Physicists Think About Star Trek Movies and Series
Review: Did you know that many of the world's best physicists like to watch Star Trek, and then discuss what's right and wrong about the science displayed? Well, apparently they do. Drawing on contacts within the scientific community and on-line bulletin boards, Professor Krauss has written a sprightly review of what physicists think about when they see these shows. He translates these observations into simple concepts that the average reader should be able to follow, assuming an interest in Star Trek or science. As a non-scientist, I had always assumed that 70 percent of the "science" on a Star Trek show was just so much imagination. The reason I thought that was because I could see so many obvious errors (seeing phaser light in space, hearing sounds in space, effects occurring too soon on the space ship, holograms acting like they were made of matter, and permanent worm holes) based on what little I knew. Was I ever surprised to find out that these obvious errors were the bulk of all the errors in the shows! Apparently the writers have been working closely with scientifically knowledgeable people to keep what is covered reasonably possible . . . along with some poetic license. The physics of cosmology are fascinating, but I can quickly get lost in matching quantum mechanics to general relativity and so forth. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that I could follow the arguments much better when they used a familiar Star Trek episode as a reference. Like the child who learns math when it involves counting his or her own money, I can learn physics more easily when it relates to Star Trek. Very nice! The book takes a look at the common Star Trek features like warp drive, transporters, replicators, phasers, sensors, subspace communications, and tractor beams. You also get special looks at less common features like multiple universes and special forms of radiation. You can read this book from several perspectives as a result: (1) to appreciate what's happening in an episode; (2) to learn some science; (3) to think about where Star Trek could become real and where it is less likely to become so; and (4) what problems have to be solved in order for Star Trek technology to develop. I found the last perspective to be the most interesting. Professor Krauss's speculations about how rapidly technology might develop and what could be done with it were most fascinating. Where the book fell down a little was in being quite strong in stating that certain "laws" of physics would never be changed. If we go back in 100 year increments, we find that a lot of earlier "laws" are later somewhat amended if not totally changed. That may happen in the future as well, as we learn more. Professor Krauss is a little too confident in many places that there is nothing else to learn. Most modern technology would look like Star Trek science fiction to someone living in 1700, despite being based on sound scientific principles not understood then. After you finish enjoying this interesting book, think about what questions no one is trying to solve. Why not? What benefits would occur if they were solved? How could curiosity be stimulated about these questions? Ask and answer important questions in interesting ways to make faster progress!
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Summary: Trekers Delight
Review: This is a most awsome book!!! It is not nessarly Trek centered. However it gives you insight on many questions any fan or general person may have.
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Summary: Brings out the "realities" of the world of Star Trek.
Review: I'm certainly no expert in physics. But I've always been a fan of "Star Trek" and fascinated by the incredibly clever details in the ST episodes that make it a believable world. Speaking of details, this book is full of them. The author explains how and why certain things could work and others couldn't. And I was again impressed by the sheer genius and consistency of the ST writers. Sure, it's disappointing to find out that some of the processes they invented could never actually work. What surprised me was that I actually understood why! This is so well written and so comprehensible that I'll probably read it again just to savor it. I highly recommend it for any ST fan.
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Summary: "The World is a lot crazier than you think"
Review: Said Professor Krauss in my physics class. After reading this book, I reassured what he meant. While 'Surprise' could explain how I felt to know the today's science was just practicing baby steps, 'Amaze' would not even be a strong term to describe my feeling to know how far the future science can go. Throughout the entire book, I was filled with the excitement of learning the incredible science facts that have never charmingly appealed to me. Not only as a reviewer of this book, but also as a student of the author's Physics class, I can confidently tell you that Professor Krauss is in love with Physics, and he feels so good about it.
Note: You are required to have at least elementary school education in prior to read this book. :)
Rating:
Summary: just a warning
Review: I bought this book for my friend because he's obsessed with Stephen Hawking. Just to tell people, this book is not actually by both Lawrence M. Krauss and Stephen Hawking, it's actually by Lawrence M. Krauss, with just a foreword by Stephen Hawking. I'm sure the book itself is good, but amazon neglects to mention that the book isn't actually written by both men. And the star rating has no relevance here, i haven't read it yet.
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Summary: In one word ..."Heisenberg Compensator"
Review: Oh, wait ... that's two words. Must be over my head, like the book thought it would be. But I understood the thought processes of the author from start to end. (I learned something in science class after all.) Good explanation on how it should work. Too bad it won't work with todays thinking. Just wait - there will be someone to come along with a gadget like the 'Heisenberg Compensator' to make it all work the way SCI-FI saids it should work. Even if it shouldn't work because of the Laws Of Physics.
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Summary: Not too shabby...
Review: As I looked through my local bookstore for an interesting read, I could not help but notice this interesting title in the Physics science section. Being a sporatic viewer of Star Trek myself, I picked it up for a closer look. As I read the first section of the book, I realized that it was more than blatant critique on scientific errors. Rather, it was an interesting view of future possibilities and also impossibilities in the field of science. In this book, Krauss explores the existence of things such as wormholes, black holes, and existence of other intelligent life in space. Krauss is also relentless in his discussion of Einstein and other renowned Physicists. He often writes about highly esoteric subject matter, but on the whole this book is well rounded and a relatively interesting read. However, keep in mind that one must have an interest in science, specifically fields such as quantum mechanics and relativity.
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Summary: Scotty was right: "You canna change the laws of physics."
Review: I never took biology or chemistry let alone physics in school, so I am easily intimidated by big words with Latin prefixes and Greek suffixes that explain the mysteries of the real world let alone the Star Trek universe. Lawrence M. Krauss, Ambrose Swasey Professor of Physics and Professor of Astronomy and Chairman of the Department of Physics at Case Western Reserve University might be making stuff up the same was as Gene Roddenberry and his heirs, but he sure makes a compelling case that is easily understood even by scientific illiterates such as myself. He certainly has the credentials, even if he spells his first name funny. This book takes nitpicking about Star Trek to a whole new level, and I mean that in the best sense of the world. "The Physics of Star Trek" is divided into three sections. The first, "A Cosmic Poker Game," explores the physics of inertial dampers and tractor beams as they apply to warp speed, deflector shields, wormholes and time travel (The short answer is "No, but...," which is where it gets fascinating). The second, "Matter Matter Everywhere," covers transporter beams, warp drives, dilithium crystals, matter-antimatter engines, and the holodeck (see above short answer). The third, "The Invisible Universe, or Things That Go Bump in the Night," looks at the great unknown of the future where we may (or may not) encounter alien beings, multiple dimensions and other fun thinks from the Star Trek universe. There are nice diagrams to help the explanations along, filing in for Krauss' classroom chalkboard. Krauss also proves he is not alone in his major league nitpicking as he includes a Top Ten Physics Bloopers and Blunders from Star Trek that were selected by Noble Prize-winning physicists and other Trekkers. In his foreword Stephen Hawking points out what we have known since Jules Verne: "Today's science fiction is often tomorrow's science fact." I believe it was Jim Kirk who said things were only impossible until you did them. If I had read this book when I first watched the original Star Trek in syndication it might have kindled my interest in science to a level at least appropriate for polite social conversation. I can easily imagine what reading this book might do for somewhere who loves science; opening the minds of students to the possibilities behind the television show they enjoy watching.
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Summary: Picard, Data, Worf. etc. discuss "The Physics of Star Trek"
Review: Capt. Picard: Data, go to Warp 8 now...Engage! Data: You realize that is impossible, sir. Picard: What do you mean, Data, two Romulan warbirds just de-cloaked off our starboard side and are about to fire phasers. We've got to get out of here. Engage, I say! Data: But sir, according to Lawrence Krauss, a distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy from the 20th century, such an action would require energy far greater than is possible in order to manipulate spacetime around the Enterprise sufficiently to travel at "warp" speed. Also, for the same reasons, Dr. Krauss essentially ruled out the possibility of a "cloaking device" and many other things we like to believe are real. Picard: Data, we don't have TIME for this! Get us out of here now!! Data: Captain, I am sorry, but it is simply not possible. Also, I hate to inform you that, according to Dr. Krauss, our deflector shields will not work either. But, fortunately, neither will the Romulans' phaser beams. Picard: What are you saying, Data?!? Data: What I am saying, sir, is that although we THINK we are aboard a starship called the Enterprise, and although we THINK we just saw 2 Romulan warbirds uncloak, it is all just an illusion. All of these things would violate several basic laws of physics, including Einstein's general and special theories of relativity, which of course are still valid today. I am sorry to conclude, sir, that we are just actors on a set at Paramount Studios, that there is no "Federation," no "Captain Picard," and not even ME! I would be sad about this if I could be, but my "emotion chip" (which Dr. Krauss does not discuss in his book, by the way) is not turned on right now. Picard: Damn! So my brother was right all along and I should have stayed in France and worked at the family winery! Data: I am afraid so, sir. Your brother appears to have been correct. Counselor Troi: I am sensing great frustration and sadness here. Oh, it's terrible! Data: What you are experiencing, Counselor, is merely what I believe used to be called a "major bummer." Unfortunately, most of the world that we thought we knew cannot exist, according to "The Physics of Star Trek", so we will all need to look for new jobs, and our fans will need to look for a new means of entertaining themselves. It would have been better, of course, if "The Physics of Star Trek" had been required reading at Star Fleet Academy. Perhaps then we could have avoided all this confusion. Counselor Troi: Maybe we could all get together with our fans for reunions and dress up in costumes and just pretend this was all possible... Data: An excellent idea, Counselor, although I am dubious as to your idea's practicality. Maybe if you expanded the idea and called them "conventions" it might... Worf: Arrggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Picard: Are you alright, Mr. Worf? Worf: I am a Klingon warrior and cannot BELIEVE that a mere PHYSICIST from the 20th century could defeat me! Data: It is true Worf. The laws of physics cannot be repealed, even for a Klingon warrior. If you would like, I could lend you "The Physics of Star Trek", and then you might understand. Dr. Crusher: But surely there must be some other alternatives to what Dr. Krauss suggests? Data: As the former Chief Science Officer of the Enterprise used to say, "there are ALWAYS alternatives." Picard: I'll be in my ready room reading "The Physics of Star Trek" and thinking of alternatives. Commander Data, you have the bridge.
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