Product Description
This volume is a complete and systematic monograph on inflationary cosmology and cosmological phase transitions. Dr. Linde, a primary developer of these theories, offers a thorough investigation of modern cosmology and its relation to elementary particle physics, including a large introductory section containing a complete discussion of inflationary cosmology for those not yet familiar with the theory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

excellent description of the early universe
Andrei Linde manages in this brilliant book to introduce the reader to a wide spectrum of the immensely interesting aspects of the inflationarytheory. This book is definitely a "must read" for all who want tounderstand the underlying evolution of the very early stages of ourUniverse.

Inflation is today believed by essentially all the scientificcommunity to be the initial stage in the evolution of the Universe, givingthe seeds to what then later develops into structures such as galaxies andhuman beings. All other known theories have today been observationallyexcluded, leaving inflation as our currently best understanding of theearly Universe.

Linde describes in glorious detail all the physics neededfor the understanding of inflationary cosmology, such as symmetry breaking (restoration) and phase transitions, and he describes various workedthrough scenarios, but the description is fairly technical and a strongbackground in mathematic is necessary. The book is intended for scientistsand serious students, and non-scientists will need a good portion ofpatience to follow all the technical explanations. ... Read more

Product Description
Reflecting the results of twenty years' experience in the field of multipurpose flights, this monograph includes the complex routes of the trajectories of a number of bodies (e.g., space vehicles, comets) in the solar system.
A general methodological approach to the research of flight schemes and the choice of optimal performances is developed. Additionally, a number of interconnected methods and algorithms used at sequential stages of such development are introduced, which allow the selection of a rational multipurpose route for a space vehicle, the design of multipurpose orbits, the determination of optimal space vehicle design, and ballistic performances for carrying out the routes chosen. Other topics include the practical results obtained from using these methods, navigation problems, near-to-planet orbits, and an overview of proven and new flight schemes. ... Read more

Product Description
Small spacecraft have become popular for a number of reasons, most prominently the needs to reduce overall cost, be built more quickly, and spread mission risks. NASA has been challenged with crafting a program that continues to produce meaningful science within the constraints of the available budget. Still, pound for pound, small spacecraft are not precisely inexpensive, given the effects of complexity, launch costs, and a greater degree of risk. Historically, science spacecraft have demonstrated increasing reliability, but this trend might not continue, given the shift to managed risk. There is generally less money available to smaller programs to test spacecraft functions and operational procedures prior to launch. Small spacecraft are also generally less robust. Efforts to reduce failure potentials through the application of more reliable components, better testing, and advanced design techniques should receive greater attention. Despite the risks, however, small spacecraft fulfill important roles in earth science, astrophysics, space physics, and planetary science. NASA's current generation of small spacecraft is capable of impressive levels of performance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

On The Money
This books focuses on small spacecraft - the wave of the future. It's one of the few books out there on the topic and it addresses the risks that NASA seems to have forgotten about. The author correctly predicted that satellites would fail at a higher rate when 'better, cheaper, and faster' was attempted. It's an important contribution to doing things smarter. Though the book is actually a report, it should be read as a primer of what engineers and managers should avoid doing if they want to avoid failure.

This is an Important Research Report
Expect this book to read like a report - evidently it's a White House document published for the public.It's blocky, but the material is a very accurate assessment of the recent history of spacecraft.The authorcorrectly predicted that more spacecraft would fail, like the recent onesthat crashed into Mars.This is definitely worth your time if you're tunedin to what's really going on in the space program - just don't expect anexciting read.

Useful info, but impossible to read
The author clearly spent a great deal of time researching the topic. However the text is written in a fashion which makes it hard to follow,much less to sit down and read.A thorough rewrite by a good editor wouldtransform this into a very useful book.

A book only an Academic would love - very hard to read.
The author does cover many of the key issues. But a "real world"leader or manager will find it very difficult to glean useful informationout of this book written like a academic research paper. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first book to tell the fascinating 80-year history of today's gyroplane and its antecedent, the Autogiro. Charnov explains that the near-eclipse of the Autogiro was caused by a potent combination of bad luck, the impact of the Great Depression and World War II, and egregious business decisions. Only by understanding the amazing manner in which this aviation technology has persisted and evolved can one fully understand the basis for its future. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Some day we will all have one in our driveway!
Excellent book for any one interested in aviation. After reading the book we found out there is a Pitcarin autogyro in a museum less then 10 miles from our house. It is a must read for those interested in helicopters and their development.

Worthwhile if read with some skepticism
Charnov has done a creditable job of presenting a history of the Autogiro. This effort joins the small library available on the subject, the current gold standard being "Cierva Autogiros" by Peter Brooks, who in addition to his writing abilities is technically qualified to discuss the subject. Though Charnov has obviously expended much effort in gathering, sifting and organizing information on the Autogiro, his greatest weakness is his lack of technical understanding of the aircraft. For the casual reader, this deficiency is probably unnoticeable; however, since books of this type tend to attract a somewhat technically aware audience, the frequent and inaccurate use of terms and descriptions detracts from the book. The discussion of the Fairey Gyrodyne completely misses the point of what made this third type of rotorcraft (including gyroplane and helicopter) so technologically significant. Also, the title, "From Autogiro to Gyroplane," is misleading since the latter term is merely a generic definition for autorotational aircraft which automatically includes the trademarked Autogiro; the title is analogous to "From Chevrolet to Automobile."

This book's greatest failure is the implication that the Bensen Gyrocopter and its derivatives are the natural successors to the Autogiro. The Autogiro was developed, constructed, and operated by aviation professionals. This produced the outstanding safety record of the Autogiro even though each successive aircraft included significant technical or operational advances over its predecessor. This work laid the foundation for today's rotary wing aircraft industry. By contrast, the Bensen Gyrocopter and derivatives are commonly designed, constructed, and operated by rank amateurs who commonly dismiss or are completely ignorant of lessons learned during the development of the Autogiro, with the result that this type of aircraft has established an abysmal safety record. It is instructive to compare side-by-side Bensen's "Mechanics Illustrated" advertisements of the type, build it yourself, train yourself to fly it, with Cierva Autogiro Company/Pitcairn Autogiro Company advertisements which announce the availability of professional flight training in certificated aircraft.

The era of the Autogiro ended with the magnificent Fairey Rotodyne; with very few exceptions, succeeding gyroplane history is the story of amateurs.

This book contains much valuable information though it includes a significant amount of detritus.

Comprehensive and complete, perhaps too much so.
The book is superbly researched and seems to include every scrap of autogiro history from the beginning right up through the ultra-lights of the present day. Each period is given it's due and no enthusiast will be disappointed by the coverage of his or her special interest. Excellent bibliography and further reading suggestions as well.

Having said that, reading the book from cover to cover is slow going. And the interweaved tales of various autogiro developments in various times and locales makes some sections almost unreadable. For example you'll be reading about some invention progressing from 1926 to 1939 and then be abruptly jerked back to 1927 to start the next thread of development. When this happens 4 or 5 times in two or three pages you loose all sense of what happened when. But I'm not sure how you'd fix that except to edit out some of the material.

The Most Complete History of the Autogiro
I have read Dr. Charnov's book and actually had the chance to take him as a professor at Hofstra University. I must say that this book is the most complete account I have ever read on any aviation technology. Dr. Charnov really put his heart in this book and has done his homework in researching obscure facts like the Rotodyne and the direct control mechanism. Its a great read for any aviation buff.

Lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history
From Autogiro To Gyroplane: The Amazing Survival Of An Aviation Technology by Bruce H. Charnov (Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Management, Entrepreneurship and General Business Department of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University, Hempstead, Long Island, New York) superbly lays out the entire and intriguing 80-year history of rotary-wing aircraft. Seeking answers to the question of why the helicopter thrived, while the safer and more stable (if less versatile), gyroplane was nearly forgotten, From Autogiro To Gyroplane deftly and comprehensively examines the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II upon these motorized aircrafts, as well as the simply bad business decisions, and the lessons that the fate and persistence of the gyroplane has for other old, long lasting, yet ultimately fully functional technologies. From Autogiro To Gyroplane is a unique and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Aviation History collections. ... Read more

Product Description
The Economy as an Evolving System II will fascinate economists of all types. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a description and analysis of the diffusion of publicly-funded (US government performed and sponsored) aeronautical research and development based on studies conducted under the NASA/DoD Aerospace Knowledge Diffusion Research Project. The first section describes how our technology and information policies interact to influence the US aerospace industry. The second section presents the findings of the authors' empirical research. The final section offers comparisons with other national systems, analyzes the STI models used by selected federal agencies and presents a revised technology policy and STI model. ... Read more

Product Description
When the first sputnik was launched and the space era began, few gave thought to the possible negative impact that putting satellites into orbit may have. In fact, man's space activity has led to the formation of a new media named space debris, i.e. manmade objects and their fragments launched into space, currently inactive and no longer serving any useful purpose. Space Debris: Hazard Evaluation and Mitigation will be of interest to readers unfamiliar with the issues as well as experts and designers as it introduces concepts related to the problems of space ecology featuring actual data on the space debris environment, new mathematical models for space debris evolution, production and self-production, description of the existing software, and concepts for shield design. Methods of collision risk assessment depending on attitudes and inclinations of orbits, collision hazard evaluation and suggestions for preventative measures are also covered. ... Read more

Product Description
Here we pursue and resolve the obscure riddle of the Phaistos Disc and reveal an amazing truth: that Minoan Bronze Age man had a level of knowledge to match that of 20th-century Europe. Their mathematics was ahead of the Greeks and to this day we use a unit of their measure: the Nautical Mile. Here we demonstrate that Bronze Age man knew the world to be round, and that he could measure its circumference to within hundreds of metres! This true detective story also demonstrates that the movement of the Earth in relation to the planets was fully understood. And that the Minoans had their own self-correcting calendar, which is something that we still haven't managed to achieve! This is the story of their 366[degrees] circle and a most elegant system lost to mankind. Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas (The Second Messiah) have tested this research for themselves and write: '...the story Alan told was far stranger than we could have imagined...and sounded rather fanciful. But the cold-blooded result of our efforts was clear. Alan had to be right'. 'He has rediscovered prehistoric knowledge and a system of super elegance that was lost before Moses reached the Promised Land.This is thinking of the highest order, of which any civilisation would justly be proud'. 'The sheer volume of supporting evidence from Megalithic sources make his explanation totally compelling' - Christopher Knight and Robert Lomas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Disappointed
This book ignores a large number of cuneiform texts from Babylonia. So it does not hold up. I would have thought there is enough here for an article but not for a whole book.

Circular evidence
The author aims to prove the use of circular pattern on the Phaistos disk, but manages to come up with circular evidence. Pardon the pun, couldn't resist. The basic observations are valid and useful, such as the 30 fields on one side and 31 on the other, but his conclusions beyond this are essentially unsubstantiated. For example: He is assuming a certain number of degrees on the circle (366), and a certain number of arc-seconds per degree, and furthermore that the length measure is a foot, and that there are 36.6 feet per arc-second. If it is so, then the result corresponds to within a kilometre with the circumference of the Earth, which is remarkble. Since it is remarkble, he concludes that it must be true, which is of course a circular argument to say the least. The book is full of similar units and measures that are unsubstantiated. I can not recommend it.

A fascinating and thought provoking read.
The Bronze Age Computer Disc impressed me greatly. As much as a detective story into the ancient past it is a rich and fascinating travelog of a little understood and fabulous ancient culture - the Minoans. The bookshows how the mysterious symbols of the Phaistos Disc, found in Crete atthe beginning of the 20th century, can be used to demonstrate a fantasticsystem of measuring time, space and distance, that existed as early as3,500 BC in the Far West of Europe. This book isan easy to follow read,beautifully crafted, and with parenthesis to sift out the mathematics forpeople who are willing to take the author's word. The Bronze Age ComputerDisc ends with a promise of many more revelations to come. I honestlycannot wait. Within the book lie some of the most incredible assertionsregarding our ancient ancestors ever proposed.

An easy read and an interesting thesis, but heavy on guesses
The book is easy and enjoyable to read, even for those without an archaeology background.It also combines some good social description with an intriguing hypothesis: that ancient Crete, with a simple round stone,could calculate time, distance and position as accurately as any watch,calendar or map that would be developed in the next 2,000 years. Neverthess, I found the proof a bit lacking in substance and heavy insupposition. ... Read more

Product Description
The book is an up-to-date, self-contained account of deep inelastic scattering in high-energy physics. Intended for graduate students and physicists new to the subject, it covers the classic results which led to the quark-parton model of hadrons and the establishment of quantum chromodynamics as the theory of the strong nuclear force, in addition to new vistas in the subject opened up by the electron-proton collider HERA. The extraction of parton momentum distribution functions, a key input for physics at hadron colliders such as the Tevatron at Fermi Lab and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, is described in detail. The challenges of the HERA data at 'low x' are described and possible explanations in terms of gluon dynamics and other models outlined. Other chapters cover: jet production at large momentum transfer and the determination of the strong coupling constant, electroweak interactions at very high momentum transfers, the extension of deep inelastic techniques to include hadronic probes, a summary of fully polarised inelastic scattering and the spin structure of the nucleon, and finally a brief account of methods in searching for signals 'beyond the standard model'. ... Read more

Product Description
Now in paperback--the extraordinary story of a woman's lifelong quest to "get to Mars"--and of the team behind the space robot that captured the world's imagination. 8-page photo insert.Amazon.com Review
Donna Shirley dreamed of going to Mars since she was astarstruck kid in Oklahoma, reading science fiction and staring up atthe big Western sky.Managing Martians chronicles her lifefrom flight-obsessed childhood to the realization of her dream asmanager of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Mars ExplorationProgram--the people who sent Pathfinder and the roverSojourner to the red planet in 1997.

Shirley's story is extraordinary in its simplicity: she set her sightson what she wanted, and chased it fervently. Yet simple doesn't alwaysmean easy, and Shirley owns up to getting sidetracked along the way,and having to work hard to get back to business. And what a business!Imagine having an expensive, delicate object you helped designstrapped to a projectile hurtling toward a chunk of rock in space. Thebest parts of Shirley's story are the tense moments, when shestruggled to maintain professional cool while under enormousstress. This book is part autobiography, part lesson to bureaucraticmanagers; Shirley has had to work with some temperamental folks in herlifetime of government work, and she's learned (the hard way) how tomanage teams well. One gets the impression that she would have made anexcellent military leader, or CEO.Mars buffs all over the worldshould be glad she stuck to the stars. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

NASA is really not visionnary!
The book is really interesting. Not so for the biographical element in it, but more for the NASA internal politics description. Is it normal for the supposedly "leading space agency in the (free) world" to have such a complicated and unproductive way of doing science?

In this book, you will learn how "the most successfull Mars mission" of the last few years (mainly a technology feat and not science, but, hey...) was build by a handful of people, without real support or confidence from the upper management... Visionnary? Not really! But this upper management didn't lose time, when it finally worked, to claim this success!

And, of course, you will also get some technical details, and feel a little what it's like to a "six wheels on the ground". An overall interesting book!

A big axe to grind...
While I'm sure that many readers found Ms. Shirley's tales of overcoming chauvanism uplifiting and fascinating, I personally found them irritating and grating. Much of the early part of the book (detailing her childhoodand young adulthood) deals with the author coming into conflict, again andagain, with overt male chauvanism. Each and every time the author overcomessuch hardships through her hard work and gumption. While I have noobjection to such tales in general, I felt that in this case they took alot of momentum out of the book and revealed a lot of lingering anger(towards men in general) on the part of the author. Also, the author haslittle insight into these episodes and altercations, and recounts them insuch a one sided way (i.e.-"I was honest and true and they were eviland prejudiced...") that I was hard pressed to believe that she wasrecalling them accurately.

Nonetheless, the book does finally move on tothe story of the Mars Pathfinder Mission, which was what I was reallyinterested in hearing about. Ms. Shirley gives a good description of lifeat JPL and also does a nice job in discussing the technical hurdles to beovercome in such a far-reaching endeavour. I especially enjoyed thechapters about the development of the rover, as they did not gloss over alot of interesting technical details (as other books dealing withPathfinder have).

Overall this was a good book that could have been agreat book. Ms. Shirley has really given us two books:An autobiography anda book about the Mars Pathfinder. I would have preferred the latter withoutthe former.

Excellent example of life in space exploration
This book vividly tells the story of the intense and exhiliarating adventure scientists and engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) experience at the cutting edge of the technological exploration of oursolar system.In addition, it is a gripping and optomistic tale of thejourney of one woman's success in a usually all male fraternity.Itfrankly portrays the difficulties and triumphs along the way.Ms. Shirleyhas broken ground for many young women in the future for careers in thearea of science and engineering. In addition, it is a fun read for anyoneinterested in technology, management and the progress of women in oursociety.It also is a very accurate portrayal of life at JPL.

A Delightful Book That Shows How to Do the Impossible
If you've ever wondered what engineering is all about or are trying to decide whether or not to enter the field, this book is for youIt's an adventure story, that starts with a youngster's dream to go to the planets. Many of us, especially boys growing up in the early sixties, will nod inrecognition with Donna Shirley pouring over Arthur C. Clarke's"The Sandsof Mars" and then looking up wistfully at the red planet amidst theconstellations.So, too, the dream of flying an airplane and even sneakingout to take a friend up when their parents weren't looking.It's thedreams of youth, which made made many of us strap slide rules on our beltsand sweat over endless labs and analysis courses in college.From there,you must face the long road from rotebeginner tasks, to being able todesign a product, run the necessary tests, and declare that what you haveconceived will fly, long before it is built.The toughest step, perhaps,is getting others to finance your dreams.

This is what Donna Shirley hasaccomplished.She had developed the skill and competence to conceive ofways to push back the final frontier, successfully do combat to get thefunding, and then round up and lead teams of opinionated geniuses to makethe seemingly impossible appear before our very eyes.It is more than astory of space travel, it's a personal and career story that shows what oneinsistent person can do despite almost continuous obstacles.Donna's storyis an inspiration for anyone who dares to up the ante or change the statusquo.It should be required reading for engineers, managers and, really,anyone in business.

Shirley's story is motivational and intertaining.
For a person reviewing books before live audiences, Managing Martians by Donna Shirely is a winner!Shirley's story is multifold - from her childhood perched in a sycamore tree in rural Oklahoma to the realizationof "getting to Mars" via the little robotic rover, SojournerTruth.It is a 35 year journey with all its valleys and peaks associatedwith space exploration that keeps readers and listeners expectant. DonnaShirely's intellect, determination, courage and love of life shines throughand could make an important movie in a time when young persons are hungryfor a hero. ... Read more

Product Description
Representing a decade's work from one of the world's most distinguished physicists, this major publication is, as far as is known, the first comprehensive analysis of Newton's Principia without recourse to secondary sources. Chandrasekhar analyses some 150 propositions which form a direct chain leading to Newton's formulation of his universal law of gravitation. In each case, Newton's proofs are arranged in a linear sequence of equations and arguments, avoiding the need to unravel the necessarily convoluted style of Newton's connected prose. In almost every case, a modern version of the proofs is given to bring into sharp focus the beauty, clarity, and breathtaking economy of Newton's methods. This book will stimulate great interest and debate among the scientific community, illuminating the brilliance of Newton's work under the steady gaze of Chandrasekhar's rare perception. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

On Newton's Quiet Endorsement of Euclid's Brilliance: Chandra's Greatness!
This work, although beyond my competence in mathematics, is designed for "the common reader." With just--a desideratum I lack--calculus and geometry, Chandra demonstrates certain fundamental scholia of Newton's treatise. But he does more than this. He shows us what Descartes suspected--that the classical geometers and Newton, in a way, new the same things. Descartes was the first to voice his "suspicion" that the classical mathematicians knew the methods of modern, calculus-based numerical analysis, but did not reveal such (Descartes' foundational act, his creation of "analytical geometry," is the point of "closest contact" ( Leo Strauss in a different comparison: Xenophon and Machiavelli) between ancient mathematical science and modern. By casting "Principia" in classical geometry, Newton--in a tradition profoundly indebted to Descartes and, therefore, Spinoza, shows his assent to Descartes' premise. If Newton's "Principia" can be elaborated by Euclid's methods, then, perhaps, Euclid is not so Parmenidean after all. In other words, there is a kinematicism (Parmenides) and a dynamism (Heraclitus)--i.e., Einstein and quantum theory--within classical mathematical science.
I find this in Euclid's ambiguous definition of "point" within his "elements" and within his non-theorem, but postulate, the famous "fifth"--which scholars have labored in vein to derive from his other four axioms.
They have now discovered that it cannot be done, which is why it is a "postulate," rather than an "axiom."
Newton, to say nothing of Euclid, chose all words carefully: Chandra brings this to light for us. This should not cause us to shrug our shoulders and say, "Well, then, it has all been done before, why do anything in science?" It should, rather, challenge us to say, "How can I prove that?"
Maybe you cannot, and I know I cannot: So it has the effect of conserving for us the greatness of our tradition, while asking us to go beyond it by not allowing us the, "We stand on the shoulders of the shoulders of giants, so we see farther than they" platitude. Therefore, above all, the mystery of Newton's cosmology is revealed to us. We have found our way out of the Labyrinth of millenial confusion only to recover the greatness of Our Tradition: Our gratitude to Chandra is infinite! So, perhaps, is the cosmos in which it emerged. Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy

i'm ordering this book having looked through it
perhaps the title "...for the common reader" is the issue here. "the common reader familiar with calculus", perhaps...

there's simply no way anyone without a very solid grounding in mathematics can read this book and understand it. we are talking about the laws of motion & gravity here, etc.

i compared this (a bit dogeared) copy of a book sided by side with a modern copy of principa in a bookshop, and for anyone wishing to tackle this monumentally important work, i cannot think of a better pairing. a modern copy of newton's principia and chandrasekhar's great work for those who wish to see a thorough explanation and working of the equations.

it's like a lot of things; be realistic with your expectations.
someone who is not very competent in mathematics is not going to be able to ever fully comprehend the contents of this book, misleading title notwithstanding.

perhaps the person that gave this book one star would like to let us know what scientific books he has awarded five stars to if he thinks so lowly of this one?

i say all this, because i'm currently self-studying algebra to be able to self-study calculus next year, just so i can try and understand some of this all-important book.

so don't knock the book, just keep putting the time in & struggling (and it's a struggle, alright) with the mathematics that unlock its secrets.

Before you buy this book, hold on a minute
This book was written by the Indian-American Nobel Laureate who has a physical stellar size limit to his name. Chandra (the author of this book, who also has an orbiting X-ray telescope named after him..some guys have all the luck), who was amongst the most meticulous of theorists and who worked with bigwigs like Eddington, Russell, Dirac, Bethe, Fermi and Von Neumann amongst the most luminous, wrote this massive (and his last) work of Newton's Principia. This is Chandra's take on Newton's work. Don't think its a light read - It isn't.

You cannot take it with you to starbucks (its big and heavy) sip cappucino and browse the work. You'll need to be at a table with a straight-back chair and concentrate intensely. If you know Chandra's work, then you will know that chandra always said just about what was required and said it in great English (possibly influenced by Eddington's writing) and his work is un-apologetically mathematical. So essentially this is a 20th century giant interpreting the work of THE giant of all time. It is NOT a verbatim reproduction in English of the original latin publication of the Principia. It is expensive for a reason. Its beautifully written and bound very beautifully in a red jacket with Newton's bust and handwriting on the jacket. If you bought it, the red cover is attractive enough to make it stand out of your living room book shelf. Most importantly, Chandra tackles each aspect of Newton's principia in a his own manner. GET IT if you can afford it and if you can't, try a used book place. But get it anyway.

Not What I expected
I expected this to be a walkthrough for people like myself who have a knowledge of physics but are far from being experts and are interested in reading the classics of science. This is a guide for the modern Professor of Physics, not a guide for the common reader as it says. If I had known that I wouldn't have bought it. I get the impression that there is certainly a demand for such a walkthrough. I thought this would be it.
A BIG disapointment!

Uncommon price for a book intended for common reader
I have not read this book, but would love too. But the price is just too high for a book that is intended for the common reader. It is unaffordable for the commonreader.

(NOTE: My stars rating is meaningless because I have not read the book.) ... Read more

Product Description
Compact groups of galaxies have been the subject of considerable interest since the discovery of the first compact group by Stephan in 1877.The Atlas of Compact Groups of Galaxies presents optical images of all 100 of these groups, assembled from CCD images obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). The work is the result of a search undertaken using the entire set of Palomar Sky Survey redprints in the collections of the University of British Columbia for small groups of galaxies satisfying well-defined selection criteria. The atlas, combining the best available optical images of the groups with a concise tabulation of the relevant group data, is sure to become an indispensable reference for those engaged in the study of compact groups or interacting galaxies in general. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Author's name is wrong
Amazon has the author's name incorrect.His name is Paul Hickson. ... Read more

Product Description

Space Commerce relates the story of private enterprise's unsteady rise to prominence as a major influence on world space policy and research. The first space race proved the technological and military prowess of the two superpowers; but since the 1970s that contest has been supplanted by a multinational struggle to command the commercial opportunities of space.

The commercial space age was born in 1965 when Early Bird, the first commercial communications satellite, went into orbit. With characteristic ingenuity, American industrialists began to dream of garnering billions of dollars per year from space-based products and services. In the microgravity of space, they hoped, hitherto unavailable drugs could be produced that would revolutionize medicine; in the high vacuum of space, crystals of extreme purity could be grown in orbital laboratories, both for biological research and for application in the manufacture of advanced microcircuits.

In this book John McLucas covers the broad sweep of space commerce, both the vision and the reality: the construction of communications satellites and their ground control stations; the sale and leasing of communications services; remote sensing and measurement of earth's processes; navigation by satellites, serving ships, airplanes, and automobiles; the design and deployment of space laboratories for scientific research and product development; and life science experiments to determine the effects of space habitation on humans.

Drawing on his considerable expertise, McLucas brings a sober perspective to his assessment of the technological accomplishments as well as the challenges still faced by industry in space. He incorporates into his discussion an illuminating analysis of the economic and political impact of space commerce and its rapidly changing international character.

Product Description
This work describes the historical evolution of a critical aspect of aerospace technology--avionics and navigation systems. This history is important to understanding current and future issues associated with aeronautics, space-flight development, and flight management, because avionics is crucial to commerical air traffic control and space flight. Samuel Fishbein provides a historical overview of aviation electronics and instrumentation, the evolution of automated systems and their integration, and the role of the pilot in this environment. In addition, he reviews the major elements comprising the flight management system and the evolution and operation of these instruments, discussing why the instrument panel is configured the way it is, and how ground and space-based components of the systems have influenced the design of airplane components. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from IFR, published by Belvoir Media Group, LLC on August 1, 2009. The length of the article is 2173 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: IFR by the sun and stars: not that long ago crews flew thousands of miles with no navigational aids except the sky itself. It's such an elegant solution.(IFR DIARY)(instrument flight rule)
Author: Bill Castlen
Publication: IFR (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2009
Publisher: Belvoir Media Group, LLC
Volume: 25Issue: 8Page: 20(4)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

Product Description
For the first time, a book exists that compiles all the information candidates need to apply for their first Physicists and Astronomers job, or to apply for a better job.

What you'll find especially helpful are the worksheets. It is so much easier to write about a work experience using these outlines. It ensures that the narrative will follow a logical structure and reminds you not to leave out the most important points. With this book, you'll be able to revise your application into a much stronger document, be much better prepared and a step ahead for the next opportunity.

The book comes filled with useful cheat sheets. It helps you get your career organized in a tidy, presentable fashion. It also will inspire you to produce some attention-grabbing cover letters that convey your skills persuasively and attractively in your application packets.

After studying it, too, you'll be prepared for interviews, or you will be after you conducted the practice sessions where someone sits and asks you potential questions. It makes you think on your feet!

This book makes a world of difference in helping you stay away from vague and long-winded answers and you will be finally able to connect with prospective employers, including the one that will actually hire you.

This book successfully challenges conventional job search wisdom and doesn't load you with useful but obvious suggestions ("don't forget to wear a nice suit to your interview," for example). Instead, it deliberately challenges conventional job search wisdom, and in so doing, offers radical but inspired suggestions for success.

Think that "companies approach hiring with common sense, logic, and good business acumen and consistency?" Think that "the most qualified candidate gets the job?" Think again! Time and again it is proven that finding a job is a highly subjective business filled with innumerable variables. The triumphant jobseeker is the one who not only recognizes these inconsistencies and but also uses them to his advantage. Not sure how to do this? Don't worry-How to Land a Top-Paying Physicists and Astronomers Job guides the way.

Highly recommended to any harried Physicists and Astronomers jobseeker, whether you want to work for the government or a company. You'll plan on using it again in your efforts to move up in the world for an even better position down the road.

This book offers excellent, insightful advice for everyone from entry-level to senior professionals. None of the other such career guides compare with this one. It stands out because it: 1) explains how the people doing the hiring think, so that you can win them over on paper and then in your interview; 2) has an engaging, reader-friendly style; 3) explains every step of the job-hunting process - from little-known ways for finding openings to getting ahead on the job.

This book covers everything. Whether you are trying to get your first Physicists and Astronomers Job or move up in the system, get this book. ... Read more