Wizards, Aliens, and Starships: Physics and Math in Fantasy and Science Fiction

Explaining the science behind science fiction and fantasyfrom the probable to the impossible

From space elevators to interstellar travel, science fiction and fantasy writers have come up with some brilliant, innovative ideas. Yet how plausible are these ideasfor instance, could Mr. Weasleys flying car in the Harry Potter books really exist? Which concepts might happen, and which ones wouldnt work? From the works of Ursula K. Le Guin to Star Trek and Avatar, this book delves into the most extraordinary details in science fiction and fantasysuch as time warps, shape changing, and rocket launchesand shows readers the physics and math behind the phenomena.