Topics: Applied Physics, Atmospheric Science, Existentialism, Futurism, Lasers, Robotics, Science Fiction “Laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. As the article alludes to, the concept existed before the actual device. We have Charles Hard Townes to thank for his work on the Maser (Microwave Amplification by the Stimulated EmissionContinue reading “Infinite Magazines…”
Category Archives: Science Fiction
Oxymoron…
The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists shifted the Doomsday Clock to 90 seconds to midnight at a news conference in January 2023. From left, Siegfried Hecker, Daniel Holz, Sharon Squassoni, Mary Robinson and Elbegdorj Tsakhia (Photo credit: Patrick Semansky). Topics: Astrobiology, Civilization, Existentialism, Science Fiction, SETI, Space Exploration A few weeks ago, I posted “Wine of Consciousness”Continue reading “Oxymoron…”
Critical, or Magical…
Topics: Civilization, Climate Change, Existentialism, Science Fiction, Star Trek Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectualContinue reading “Critical, or Magical…”
Moments and Metaphors…
Topics: Astronomy, Astrophysics, Comets, Philosophy, Science Fiction On a recent morning, in Lower Manhattan, 20 scientists, including me, gathered for a private screening of the new film Don’t Look Up, followed by lunch with the film’s director, Adam McKay. The film’s plot is simple. An astronomy graduate student, Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence), and her professor,Continue reading “Moments and Metaphors…”
The Lighthouse…
Topics: History, Science Fiction, Space Exploration, Spaceflight Widely considered to be the “Father of Science Fiction,” the famed French poet, novelist, and playwright known as Jules Verne celebrates what would have been his 193rd birthday this year. Born Feb. 8, 1828, Verne ushered in the grand era of speculative fiction with his classic novels, “20,000Continue reading “The Lighthouse…”
Physics and Nano 