Visions of the Future: Astronomy and Earth Science

ISBN: 0521805376

Author: Thompson, J. M. T.

Condition: New

Product Description What does the future of science hold? Who is making the discoveries that will help shape this future? What areas of research show the greatest promise? Find definitive and insightful answers to such questions as these in the three volumes of Visions of the Future: Astronomy and Earth Science, Chemistry and Life Science, and Physics and Electronics. Representing a careful selection of authoritative articles published in a special issue of Philosophical Transactions--the world's longest-running scientific journal--the chapters explore such themes as: The Big Bang Humankind's exploration of the solar system The deep interior of the Earth Global warming and climate change Atoms and molecules in motion New materials and processes Nature's secrets of biological growth and form Understanding the human body and mind Quantum physics and its relationship to relativity theory and human consciousness Exotic quantum computing and data storage Telecommunications and the Internet Written by leading young scientists, the timely contributions convey the excitement and enthusiasm that they have for their research and a preview of future research directions. J.M.T. Thompson is Professor of Nonlinear Dynamics and Director of the Center for Nonlinear Dynamics at University College London. Professor Thompson has published widely on instabilities, bifurcations, catastrophe theory and chaos. He was a Senior SERC Fellow, served on the IMA Council, and, in 1985, was awarded the Ewing Medal of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Currently, he is the Editor of the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions (Series A) which is the world's longest running scientific journal. Review 'The book coveys the excitement and enthusiasm of the young authors for their work in Astronomy and Earth Science.' Europe & Astronomy' you can't deny the excitement the writers felt for what they are doing; and in these secular times such excitement must serve to replace the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.' Sir Brian Pippard, The Times Higher Education Supplement' for those readers who like to get their teeth into something meaty this could be a good investment.' Alan Longstaff, Astronomy Now Book Description Leading young scientists give engaging reviews of their research areas and exciting visions of future developments.